Franklin Senior Center: The last of the blasts July 30, 2021

The Last of my Blasts!

Hello Everyone!

This has been an incredible journey!  I have sent 79 email blasts over the past 17 months and it is time for me to transition back into my role as the Supportive Day Coordinator / Respite Coordinator at the Franklin Senior Center.  I have enjoyed finding interesting, strange, intriguing, funny and helpful information to share with you all and I hope each one of you has enjoyed my 'informational tidbits' as well. 

We have hit highs and lows; had moments of isolation and fear but also kindness and connections.  Technology helped us combat social isolation and bridge the gap to access the world.  Doors were opened to new friendships with sites like zoom and what's app.  People shared their talents, Colleges and Universities opened up to free learning; Museums, Aquariums, Churches and more opened their doors virtually and allowed us to explore. Musicians held free concerts and groups of strangers, from around the world,  came together to create beautiful, harmonious music together. Basically anything you have on your bucket list became available (usually for free) right at your fingertips. 

We were not limited by distance and had the chance to explore Natural Parks, Underwater marvels, travel to foreign countries and fly over, through and around some of the most beautiful places in the world. What truly matters, the human connection, blossomed and we saw multi generational cross over with children writing cards to seniors and seniors sharing knowledge with the younger generations.  There was less division as people reached out to help and make sure nobody was alone.  During this time of unprecedented chaos and uncertainty we rediscovered kindness and compassion.  

My hope moving forward is that those lessons and kindness remain and we continue to foster, encourage and share them.  We have an opportunity to take the positive things we learned, the connections we made and the kindness we showed strangers and step forward, bringing it all with us. COVID isn't over yet and hopefully neither are all the positives that came from the past year and a half of LIVING through a pandemic. 

Stay safe, stay kind, we are all in this together.  And remember to tell people what they mean to you, that you love them and that you are grateful to have them in your life. 

HUGE virtual hugs to you all,

Ariel

Nantucket Harbor at Sunrise July 2021

Supportive Day Program "Sunshine Club" update

We are excited to announce that our Supportive Day Program will be reopening in September!  "Sunshine Club" is a social day program for seniors with mild to moderate cognitive loss, dementia or Alzheimer's.  We are finishing up work on the enrollment packets and will be calling those on our waitlist to schedule our assessment interviews.  If you have a loved one or know someone who might be interested in learning more about Sunshine Club or attending please email adoggett@franklinma.gov or dhaynes@franklinma.gov  

Companion Care Update

The Companion Care Program provides regularly scheduled, in-home respite for caregivers.  If you are a caregiver and would like to know more about this program please email adoggett@franklinma.gov.  We hope to have this program up and running in mid-September.

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/day 

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

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

Link to the Franklin Observer - https://franklinobserver.town.news/ 

Link to Mass.Gov COVID - https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-updates-and-information 

Tips

Senior Gardening Tips - keeping it easy and safe

https://seniorsafetyadvice.com/safe-gardening-tips-for-seniors/#:~:text=Safety%20Tips%20For%20Senior%20Gardening%201%20Install%20a,large%20pots%20%28for%20container%20gardening%29%20More%20items...%20 

Robocalls - We all get them and hate them.  Here are tips to stop them!

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/robocalls-still-haven-t-gone-away-so-here-s-every-method-we-know-for-stopping-them/ar-BB14MnkQ?li=BBnbcA1&ocid=U452DHP&pc=U452 

Music

50 countries unite and sing Amazing Grace

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA7pdABvpnc 

500 greatest love songs of all times (according to someone)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JWTaaS7LdU&list=PLwNv9Hhd8gZjNoQdpd2kBa3fwXNeJjzDX 

10 oldest musical discoveries

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sO-0JjTjpBs 

Just for Fun

16 satisfying art techniques from around the world

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akoNcDKCr-o 

 

The truth behind Italy's $1 homes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP2vtDLTAgM 

An experiment in gratitude / The science of Happiness

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHv6vTKD6lg 

Vintage Boston

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/massachusetts/boston/vintage-photos-boston-streets/ 

How COVID changed our world

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

Humor

Weird things caught on security camera

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

25 Knock Knock jokes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Zmza7mupAQ 

Dad jokes - HAHAHA These are HYSTERICAL.  I challenge you not to laugh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWMv2POqYQI 

Kindness Matters

Coming together by staying apart - The kindness of COVID (a commercial with a good message)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVz5Do0QWHM 

Foster Kid gets his fairytale ending

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MHhU63Q_2A 

Son of a fallen Deputy bids on his Fathers car at auction

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BF6BUry_C0 

Children and Seniors come together

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSG_FCQ10fA 

Don't put people in boxes - no matter what you believe this is a wonderful message

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRwt25M5nGw 

Upcoming Events 

Please see the attached calendar for August.  You can always check out website (link above) or request a copy of the newsletter digitally or hard copy.

Attached you will find:

FRIDAY FOODFEST flyer

August Calendar of Events for the Senior Center

Donna's fun filled activity pages

I am going to miss doing these blasts but hope to see you in person at the Franklin Senior Center!  Here is a photo of me so you know what I look like! :-)

Ariel Doggett

--

Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator

Respite Coordinator

Supportive Day Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll

There is no act of kindness too small

Franklin's Event Outlook: July 30 - Aug 6, 2021

Busy Friday on the Town Common with the Farmers Market including music  and Library activity, and then the Concerts on the Common

Friday, July 30
2:00pm - Farmers Market
3:30pm - Kids craft activity by Library Youth Services
5:00pm - Concerts on the Common: "Jamie Barrett"
6:00pm - Concerts on the Common: "FSPA"

Saturday, July 31
10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)

Sunday, August 1
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)
2:00pm - Trivia Extravaganza
4:00pm - TBB: Jerry Garcia's Birthday Celebration

Thursday, August 5
5:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)
7:00pm - 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district meeting calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

 

Community Calendar

Music scheduled for the Farmers Market; followed by Concerts at the Common

The Franklin Cultural Council's very own Kaye Kelly will be providing entertainment this week for us from 2-4PM. Enjoy the music while you complete your shopping.

 

Franklin Recreation Department will be back this week with their concert on the commons! Come enjoy entertainment by Jamie Barrett and FSPA.

Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/533086900084632/posts/4436293219763961/

and

https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFarmersMarketMA/posts/4430194083707208

Kaye Kelly (photo by Jake Jacobson) 2016

Franklin Garden Club Seeks Speakers

The Franklin Garden Club is seeking to involve more community residents in its programs by offering residents with expertise in particular aspects of gardening the opportunity to present at one of the club’s monthly meetings.  Participants will receive a stipend for their presentations.

Club Co-Chairs Janice Cederquist and Mary Anne Dean stated, “The Garden Club recognizes that there are many area residents who are very knowledgeable about garden-related topics including, but not limited to, growing successful vegetable or flower gardens; using herbs in a variety of ways; maintaining healthy gardens; cultivating specific perennials, annuals, or house plants; designing floral arrangements; and creating landscape gardens.  We invite them to contact us about information they could share with Garden Club members.”  Those interested should send an email to franklingardenclubma@gmail.com.

In addition to its monthly programs, the Garden Club supports several service activities including planting and maintaining  the Franklin Town Common gardens and the planters at the Franklin Library, sponsoring  an annual scholarship awarded to a high school graduate, distributing  pine tree seedlings in the elementary schools, and sponsoring special projects with other community organizations. The Franklin Garden Club, founded in 1987, became a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts in 2015.  

   

Franklin Garden Club Seeks Speakers

50+ Job Seekers/Encore Boston/AARP/Operation Able - August Events

You don't want to miss these great events!

50+ Job Seekers - Events for August August Interactive Workshops/Networking Events Join Melody and Ed this summer for our Interactive Workshops Series on Tuesdays from 10am-noon. August 10: The Art of Closing & Negotiating- Get the Offer You Want August 24: Let's Have some Summer Fun- Job Search Jeopardy For More information or to register as a new attendee, visit our website. Click here to join workshops Summer Monthly Special Event Series Sponsored by AARP Massachusetts and Presented in conjunction with Encore Boston, join us on August 26 from 10:00-11:30am for Reinvention Bootcamp - Talk to the Pro's panel event. See flyer for details Latino-Hispanic Workshop Series Sponsored by AARP Massachusetts, join us every other Wednesday from 1:00-3:00pm. Aug 11: Get Ready for Your Interview: Prepare! Aug 25: Get Ready for Your Interview: Practice! See flyer for more details Massachusetts Library Collaborative Sponsored by the following Libraries: Andover, Billerica, Chelmsford, Danvers, North Andover, Shrewsbury, Tewksbury, Wilmington  Aug 4:  Developing a Resume/Major Components – Part 1 Aug 18: Developing a Resume/STARS – Part 2 Visit our website to register Remote Employment Skills Training Program For Unemployed MA residents 55 years and over. Presented by Operation ABLE of Greater Boston in partnership with the Executive Office of Elder Affairs and funded by the US Department of Labor. Free 20-week intensive skills training program 14 weeks-classroom [Zoom] and 6 weeks-Internship 3 options: medical administration; customer service; accounting Certification and job placement upon completion First training cycle begins on September 13 Contact Mark Gyurina at Operation ABLE: mgyurina@operationable.net See more at https://50plusjobseekers.org/resources/retraining/ MCOA www.50plujobseekers.org for questions contact: 50plusjobseekersadmin@mcoaonline.com

Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging | 116 Pleasant Street, Suite 306, Easthampton, MA 01027 Try email marketing for free today!

_._,_._,

Offer to candidates for the Town of Franklin election - Nov 2, 2021

To the registered voters and potential candidates for Franklin's biennial election scheduled for November 2, 2021: 

I extend an offer to conduct and post an interview with you here on Franklin Matters and on the corresponding Facebook page. The interview can be either text or audio.

You are running for a position to conduct business on behalf of Franklin. 

Together, we can share your views, your objectives, and help to spread the word to create an informed voter.

Send me an email (shersteve at gmail dot com) and we can arrange a mutually convenient time before Election Day (to be conducted no later than October 15, 2021). 



For reference you can dig into the archive of interviews for the prior Franklin elections covered here

• 2019 -  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html 
• 2017 -  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/election-collection-2017.html
• 2015 -  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/08/election-collection-nov-3-2015.html
• 2013 -  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/franklin-election-2013.html
• 2011 -  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/08/election-2011-summary.html
• 2009 - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2009/10/2009-election-collection.html

07/30/21: Let's keep it going Franklin

The case count was 10 last week, 16 this week.

"The Department of Public Health released new town-by-town data for coronavirus cases on Thursday, the latest set of such data showing how the virus has impacted individual communities throughout Massachusetts."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/04/15/nation/massachusetts-confirmed-coronavirus-cases-by-city/

The MA DPH reporting can be found online  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-response-reporting

MA DPH reporting can be found online  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-response-reporting

Franklin, MA: Library News & Events - August 2021

August 2021 Library News & Events

Library News for August 2021

The Library's summer hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Book Sale

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, August 20, 1:00-5:00 p.m.  Saturday, August 21, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, August 21, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

 

Programs for Children and Teens

 

Weekly Events for Families!

Animal Guess Who! Monday-Friday

Join us all summer long for a fun guessing game of name that animal! Clues will be posted daily Monday-Friday, and at the end of each week all the correct guesses will be entered into a raffle!

Move Along! Mondays @ 10:30AM

This thirty minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy!

Dungeons & Dragons! Mondays @ 3:30PM on Discord/Roll20

Kids ages 7-15! Join us each week for virtual D&D on Roll20.net! Then join a community of gamers for fun on FPL's own Discord Server! "Chairs" are open for New Players and Dungeon Masters are always in demand! Email mgousie@minlib.net to get involved!

Cool Cruisers! Tuesdays @ 9:30AM

Babies who have graduated from tummy time and are scooting all over the place are welcome to this playgroup just for them! We recognize that fun age of exploring is very different from their first few months, so join us for a special playgroup just for this exciting time!

Toe-Tapping Tuesdays! Tuesdays @ 4:00PM

Let's play some music and get those little toes moving! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence.

Tummy Time! Thursdays @ 9:30AM

Babies and caregivers: join us each Thursday morning for Tummy Time! Nurture your baby's development with gentle music, movement, and sensory play at the library! Please bring a small blanket or towel for your baby's comfort!

Bookworm Bounce! Thursdays @ 4:00PM

Join us for an afternoon story time full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy!

Happy Feet! *SOME* Fridays @ 10:30AM

Let's play some music and get those little toes moving! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence.

Summer Secret Coders *SOME* Fridays @11:00AM

Make projects, cool crafts, and play games based on The Secret Coders by Gene Luen Yang

Farmers Market Fun! Fridays @ 3:30PM

Join us in a special collaboration with the Franklin Farmer's market! Enjoy special themed events each week, from story times, to scavenger hunts, to craft projects and beyond!

 

Special Events for Kids & Families in August!

 

Take & Make: Rock Photo Holders!

Starting Monday August 2nd stop by the library to pick up your very own rock photo holder kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own photo keepsake! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!

Rainforest Reptiles - Desert Animals! - Wednesday, August 4th @ 1:00PM

Since we can't go to the desert, we're bringing the desert to you! Join us for a special Rainforest Reptile Show featuring reptiles and amphibians that live in some of the harshest conditions in the world! IDEAL FOR KIDS IN GRADE 2 AND UP

August StoryWalk at DelCarte Park!

Starting Saturday, August 7th, the Franklin Recreation Department and the Franklin Public Library are teaming up again for a summer series of StoryWalks on the trail! The StoryWalk will be up until September, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the story, while social distancing!

Read & Draw with Scott Magoon! Saturday, August 7th @ 10:30AM

We are celebrating our August StoryWalk with a special, first-time visit from author and illustrator Scott Magoon!! We'll listen as he reads a story and learn how to draw Misunderstood Shark from the illustrator himself!

Coastie the Tugboat! Wednesday, August 11th @ 1:00PM

Coastie is a hilarious tugboat, with navigation, searchlights, a rotating beacon, a siren, an air horn, and eyes and eyelids that move meaningfully. He talks, plays music, and interacts with kids while teaching all about staying safe in the water! This is guaranteed to be the most fun your kids have ever had learning about water safety!

Shark Seek-N-Find! Saturday, August 14th @ 10:00AM

Where in Franklin is Miss Caleigh and her under-the-sea friend? Join the fun for a Social Distancing Seek-N-Find! Follow the clues posted in the Facebook event and come say hello!

Digeridoo Down Under Live Virtual Performance! Wednesday, August 18th @ 1:00PM ON ZOOM

Join us virtually for a fun, energetic fusion of Australian music, culture, comedy, character building, storytelling and audience movement and participation! Learn all about Australian animals and wildlife, and take part in some zany interactive storytelling! To register please email ckeating@minlib.net!

Outback Olympics! Saturday, August 21st @ 10:30AM

Join us for games and activities that will test your Outback Animal skills and more!!

Make with Miss Mitzi: Macramé! Saturday, August 21st @ 1:00PM

Calling all Makers! Miss Mitzi is on a mission to make a new crazy craft project every month! Sign up & Tune in as we MAKE our way through the year! To register email Mitzi at mgousie@minlib.net

Mythical Creatures Drawing Class! Wednesday, August 25th @ 1:00PM ON ZOOM

Join us as we welcome illustrator Corinne Roberts for a fun and fantastical drawing class! Learn to use basic shape construction and simple line techniques to create imaginative Mythical Creatures! No prior drawing experience needed in this follow-along program. Supplies needed: a pencil, paper and eraser.

To register please email Bree at bcomeau@minlib.net. Ideal for kids ages 6+

Unicorn Seek-N-Find! Saturday, August 28 @ 10:00AM

Where in Franklin is Miss Caleigh and her magical friend? Join the fun for a Social Distancing Seek-N-Find! Follow the clues posted in the Facebook event and come say hello!

 

Weekly / monthly Events for Teens

 

PLEASE NOTE: Weekly and Special events are currently scheduled to be in-person, outdoor programs at the library unless otherwise noted!

Dungeons & Dragons! Mondays @ 3:30PM on Discord/Roll20

Kids ages 7-15! Join us each week for virtual D&D on Roll20.net! Then join a community of gamers for fun on FPL's own Discord Server! "Chairs" are open for New Players and Dungeon Masters are always in demand! Email mgousie@minlib.net to get involved!

Teen Al Fresco Book Bites! Wednesdays @ 4:30PM

Teens! Bring along a picnic meal and a blanket, and join us outside on the grass outside the library for a casual chat about what we're all reading!

Teen Advisory Board! 2nd Wednesday of the Month @ 6:30PM

Join us each month for Teen Advisory Board! The Teen Advisory Board is a GREAT opportunity to get involved here at the library! You'll help plan events and programs, create displays and decorate the teen space, and help drive decisions around the kinds of materials we bring to the YA collection, from books and beyond, all while eating snacks and getting volunteer hours! It's a win-win-win!

 

Special Events for Teens in August!

 

Teen Take & Make: Air Plant Terrariums!

Starting Monday, August 2nd stop by the library to pick up your very own terrarium kit! Kits include supplies and instructions! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!

Teen Take & Make: Enchanter Paper Rose!

Starting Monday, August 16th stop by the library to pick up your very own paper rose kit! Kits include supplies and instructions! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!

Teen Mystery Party! Wednesday, August 18th @ 5:30PM

What caused everyone in Wonderland to go so incredibly mad? It's up to you to find out! Travel back down the rabbit hole, question the suspects, and solve the Mystery in Wonderland!

Make with Miss Mitzi: Macramé! Saturday, August 21st @ 1:00PM

Calling all Makers! Miss Mitzi is on a mission to make a new crazy craft project every month! Sign up & Tune in as we MAKE our way through the year! To register email Mitzi at mgousie@minlib.net

 

Events for Adults

Take and Make Craft for Adults: Applique and Embroidery

In a collaboration with the Franklin Mill Store, the Franklin Public Library is now offering Take-And-Make craft kits for adults! This month, explore the art of applique and embroidery! Kits are available to the first 35 Franklin residents to sign up. To register, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at 508-520-4941, or email kshipala@minlib.net . Kits will be available  for pickup at the Circulation Desk starting August 2nd.

Yoga with Bethany, Tuesdays, August 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31, 6:30 p.m.

Join Yoga Instructor Bethany Amatucci for a series of free yoga classes in the Friends of the Franklin Library Community Room. Participants are required to bring their own yoga mats. Blocks, a pillow, and a blanket are optional. No registration is required! For more information, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala kshipala@minlib.net .

Spark Joy, Franklin!
Live Q&A, Wednesday, August 18, 7:00 p.m.

Certified Silver level Konmari Consultant Shannon Honeycutt will be bringing the life-changing magic of tidying to you through her Spark Joy Progam. Find out what it means to lead a life that Sparks Joy. You will learn the KonMari philosophy and guiding principles needed to tidy once and for all and leave you feeling motivated to Spark Joy in your home, office, and life! Be sure to have a standard t-shirt and a pair of pants ready for the folding activity as you will be learning the famous KonMari Vertical folding technique.

The pre-recorded program will be available to view at https://sparkjoycharlotte.com/franklin Tuesday, August 17, 7:00 a.m. through Thursday, August 19, 7:00 a.m. The live question and answer session is Wednesday, August 18 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom.

Shannon Huneycutt is the founder of Spark Joy Charlotte and trained by tidying expert Marie Kondo. Marie is the author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and the creator of the KonMari MethodTM, which is a style of tidying focusing on decluttering and organizing your space by keeping only those items you love.

Franklin Public Library Book Club, Tuesday, August 24, 7:00 p.m.

The book for discussion is The Invention of Wings, by Sue Monk Kidd.

The story follows Hetty "Handful" Grimke, a Charleston slave, and Sarah, the daughter of the wealthy Grimke family. The novel begins on Sarah's eleventh birthday, when she is given ownership over Handful, who is to be her handmaid. "The Invention of Wings" follows the next thirty-five years of their lives. Inspired in part by the historical figure of Sarah Grimke (a feminist, suffragist and, importantly, an abolitionist), Kidd allows herself to go beyond the record to flesh out the inner lives of all the characters, both real and imagined-- Provided by publisher.

To reserve a copy of the book or for more information, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net . Book Club is now being held in-person outside, weather permitting. In case of rain, it will be held in the Friends of the Franklin Library Room.

Knitting Group, Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Love to knit or crochet? Join our group of local fiber artists who will be meeting in the Friends of the Franklin Library Community Room on Fridays 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Shared from the Town of Franklin page  https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/august-2021-library-news-events

Franklin, MA: Library News & Events - August 2021 

Town of Franklin, MA: Charles River Flood Model released

The Town of Franklin, in partnership with the Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) and 14 other communities in the upper and middle Charles River watershed, is excited to announce the release of the Charles River Flood Model (CRFM). https://t.co/kv0FnrCMZu

Shared from Twitter:
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1420403438169513987

Press release document

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/news/crfm_press_release.pdf

The Town of Franklin, in partnership with the Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) and 14 other communities in the upper and middle Charles River watershed, is excited to announce the release of the Charles River Flood Model (CRFM). Funded by the MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs FY21 MVP Action Grant Program, and developed by Weston & Sampson, this flood model can help communities protect vulnerable populations and property from flooding.

The Charles River Flood Model visualizes the impacts of increasingly severe storm events that will become more common with climate change, then shows what happens if we invest in nature-based solutions such as land conservation, green stormwater infrastructure, and/or reducing impervious surfaces.

This model comes at an important time. Our region has seen approximately 9.5” of rain so far this month, an astounding 9” more than average for early July. Following Tropical Storm Elsa and subsequent rains; the Charles River remained above flood stage in Dover from July 12th to 17th according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The Charles River Flood Model found that without intervention, a projected 2070 100-year storm will impact more than 50 critical facilities and flood up to 12,500 acres of land within the watershed. This exceeds the estimated 10,400 acres of flooding during the severe rains of March 2010, which is the most recent significant flooding event caused by rainfall to affect the region. These intense rain events will put many residents at risk, especially vulnerable populations such as low-income residents, the elderly, and those who suffer from physical or mental illness.

 

The model was also used to test the impact of developing land that is currently undeveloped but vulnerable to future development. Developing half of the watershed’s remaining undeveloped and unprotected land without flood control measures would result in a 33% increase in flooded area in the present day 10-yr storm, and a 20% increase in flooded area in the 2070 10-yr storm. Allowing undeveloped land to be developed without considerable flood protection will cause downstream flooding and directly impact vulnerable residents.

“CRWA is excited to have led this regional effort,” said Julie Wood, deputy director with the Charles River Watershed Association. “This is a critical step to taking action as a region to effectively mitigate the expected flooding impacts of climate change. The model provides valuable information that will allow communities to make informed decisions about policy changes and on the ground interventions”.

Investing in nature-based solutions brings other important co-benefits as well, including improvements in water quality in the Charles River, reduced heat island effect, cleaner air, increased biodiversity, and more.

Flooding does not follow political boundaries, and this tool will help create stronger regional collaboration between communities in the watershed to better understand and address flooding due to climate change. Participating communities include Arlington, Dedham, Franklin, Holliston, Medway, Millis, Natick, Needham, Newton, Norfolk, Sherborn, Watertown, Wellesley, Weston, and Wrentham.

Charles River Watershed Association uses science, advocacy, and law to promote resilient communities and a healthy river ecosystem. CRWA was formed in 1965 in response to public concern about the declining condition of the Charles River. Since its earliest days of advocacy, CRWA has figured prominently in major clean-up and watershed protection efforts that have dramatically improved the health of the Charles.

Contacts:

Julie Wood Deputy Director

Charles River Watershed Association 617-356-5060

jwood@crwa.org

Julia Hopkins

Communications and Outreach Manager Charles River Watershed Association 781-788-0007

jhopkins@crwa.org

Storm water modeling ->   https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/5e214750da174c46bf6a8b8da12630e9

https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/charles-river-flood-model

Charles River Flood Model released