Annual Report Of The Veterans’ Service Officer - FY 2021

Note: FY 2021 is last year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). The report was prepared to cover the business for the FY 2021 period. This year’s report FY 2022 (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) is in preparation now and is normally available for distribution at the polls for the November election.

The Veterans’ Service Officer (VSO) serves veterans and their dependents in recognition of their service to our nation. Responsibilities of the VSO include educating veterans and their dependents about the benefits available to them, dispensing state sponsored veterans’ benefits under M.G.L. Chapter 115 and assisting veterans and their dependents or survivors in obtaining state and federal benefits or entitlements which they have earned.

In addition to my responsibilities to the veterans of Franklin, I serve as the Veterans’ Services Advocate for Norfolk County and as the VSO for the Town of Avon. Norfolk County is the only county in the Commonwealth to have an individual dedicated to Veterans’ Services. Through an agreement between the Town and the County, I am able to continue to support the VSO’s in the 28 cities and towns of Norfolk County while primarily servicing the Franklin veterans’ community.

As our veterans and their dependents/survivors age, there are more demands for benefits provided by the Commonwealth’s Department of Veterans’ Services and the U. S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs. During the past year, there has been an increase in the number of Franklin veterans who have recently completed their military service.

It is very important that veterans and widows identify themselves on the town census. This information enables the VSO to identify services available to them. I encourage all veterans and widows/widowers of veterans to contact the Veterans’ Services Office.

The VSO attends as many civic events as possible during the year at schools and civic groups. The VSO is always willing to attend an event to speak about veterans, veterans’ benefits, the military experience or to support a patriotic event. I invite other veterans to attend such events. If you are interested in attending any event, please contact our office. I also work with Boy Scouts and other students who are interested in community service projects when they are available.

Franklin Veterans’ Council

The Franklin Veterans’ Council meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm, at the Franklin Senior Center. The Council stopped meeting during the closing of the Senior Center, but resumed meetings either in person or via video meetings. Dates, times and meeting locations are posted on the Veterans’ Services web page. All veterans and any interested individual or organization are welcome to attend. This group serves as a communications outlet for veteran and military-related events and activities in the community as well as an opportunity for veterans to obtain information about state and federal benefits and changes. The Council is chaired by the VSO.

Franklin Veterans Memorial Walkway

Families may continue to honor their veterans and active duty family members by purchasing an engraved brick for the Memorial Walkway on the Town common. Bricks are installed on the Walkway prior to Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day each year. In May, a Franklin High School fundraising group (BALT) made a donation to the Walkway fund which was used to purchase bricks for those Franklin fallen heroes who did not have an engraved brick on the Walkway. The administrative processing of the brick orders and installation is handled by the Veterans’ Services Office. Brick order forms are available in the Town Hall and Senior Center lobbies and on the Veterans’ Services page on the Town website.

Veterans’ Coffee Socials

The Veterans’ Coffee Socials continued to grow as an opportunity for veterans to have a cup of coffee, tea or water together and to talk with other veterans. The socials are held the first Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m.at the Senior Center. The VSO joined in to provide updates on benefits when needed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coffee Socials were held virtually via Zoom at the regularly scheduled days and times. We must recognize the wonderful team at Starbucks which attends all of our socials and provides coffee and pastry when we are able to meet together. Starbucks team members continued to join our socials via video when the Senior Center was closed.

Veterans’ Day Program

Due to the pandemic, we were unable to host the annual Veterans’ Day Luncheon. In lieu of an event, we videotaped a Veterans’ Day program which aired on Franklin’s All Access Community TV. Several Franklin veterans volunteered to speak about what Veterans’ Day means to them and what it means to be a veteran. Many thanks to Chris Flynn of Franklin TV for videotaping and producing this program.

Memorial Day

The annual Memorial Day Breakfast and parade were cancelled due to the pandemic. Local veterans and boys and girls scout groups placed memorial wreaths at Dean College, St. Mary’s and Union Street cemeteries and at the war memorials on the Town Common.

Thank you to Rabbi Thomas Alpert, Rev. Kathy McAdams, Father Brian Manning, American Legion Commander John Milot, VFW Commander Larry Bederian, State Representative Jeffrey Roy, writer Angela Baker, CSM (Ret) Herman Anderson, the American Legion Rifle Squad, members of VFW Post 3402, Franklin Facilities and the Franklin Police Department for their participation in the Memorial Day observance on the Common which was held in remembrance of our deceased veterans. Thank you also to Franklin veteran Steve Pezzella who sang the National Anthem at the ceremony which was videotaped by Chris Flynn and aired on Franklin’s All Access Community TV. The names of Franklin veterans who had passed since last Memorial Day were read during the ceremony. I also made remarks about Veterans’ Services including: VA benefits, the Chair of Honor, the Veterans’ Council, our Coffee Socials, Purple Heart Day and our Monuments Restoration project.

Purple Heart Community

Franklin is a Purple Heart Community. This designation demonstrates that our town recognizes and honors Franklin service members who received the Purple Heart award for being wounded or killed in enemy combat. Our office has created a registry of Franklin residents who are Purple Heart recipients. We will recognize those recipients on August 7, National Purple Heart Day, each year. Signs have been installed at the town’s entry points, designating Franklin as a Purple Heart Community. If you or a family member from Franklin is a Purple Heart recipient, please contact our office.

Veterans Call

“Veterans Call” is a TV program for and about veterans hosted by the VSO and airs on Franklin’s All Access Community TV station. Program topics have included Social Security and Mass Health. Taping of programs was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but have resumed. If you have program suggestions, please contact the VSO.

Chair of Honor

The Chair of Honor resided at the Franklin Senior Center most of this year. We look forward to rotating the chair through other Town buildings and schools soon.

Display Case at the Town Hall

Our office maintains the veterans’ display case in the Town Hall lobby. We update the display several times a year. The displays focus on Veterans’ Day, Memorial Day and other veteran-centric historical events as well as feature veterans in our community. If you have ideas for our display case, please contact our office.

Other Events and Activities

There is now a designated VETERAN parking space in front of the Franklin Municipal building.

I am happy to report that our office applied for and received an $18,338 Massachusetts SHRAB (State Historic Records Advisory Board) Grant in April 2021. Funds from this grant will be used towards the Military Monument Restoration Project on the Town Common which is scheduled to begin in the fall.

Our office has started a learn-to-play-guitar program for veterans which meets on Tuesday evenings at the Senior Center. The program, called Tune It Out, is loosely based on the Guitar4Vets program. Research suggests that active music engagement reduces anxiety, increases relaxation levels and improves overall well-being. Franklin Music instructor Jamie Barrett is giving introductory lessons along with several other volunteers. We are very grateful for

 

Jamie’s commitment to this program as well as the generous donations of guitars and funds we have received from members of the community. Veterans may call the VSO to sign up for classes.

COVID-19 Response Activities

The COVID-19 pandemic created challenges for our veterans and our office. We coordinated the delivery of over 100 boxes of food to needy veterans and families as everyone settled into our new and hopefully temporary routines. We are most thankful to our veterans and other volunteers who assisted with our food pick-ups and deliveries.

Community Support

Veterans’ Services thanks these faithful supporters:

• The Franklin Garden Club for the care and maintenance of the Veterans’ Memorial on the Town Common.

• Elks Lodge #2136, BPOE, for their continued support of Franklin’s veterans including the sponsorship of the Veterans’ Day Luncheon, and the veterans’ fuel assistance program. Elks Lodge #2136 conducts numerous events during the year in support of our veterans in local VA facilities.

• VFW Post 3402 for their assistance with the placement of flags on the graves of our deceased veterans for Memorial Day, their donation of poppies and their ongoing support and attention to Franklin’s veterans.

• American Legion, Edward L. Grant, Post 75 for their support of our veterans and their participation in our Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day events. Post 75 visits local private medical and VA facilities to support and recognize our veterans. Members of Post 75, led by John Hefele, are also volunteering their time to spruce up veterans’ gravesites at St. Mary’s cemetery.

• The Friends of Franklin Elders for their support of activities for our veterans.

• The staff of the Franklin Senior Center for their daily support of the Veterans’ Services Office.

• Franklin High School music department for the support of our events.

• The many departments in the Town of Franklin that support our veterans’ programs. It is a total town team effort to accomplish all that we do.

• The citizens of Franklin for your support of our veterans and active duty service members.

Although, federal and state definitions of veterans are very specific as to time and component served for qualification for benefits, I hold to this definition of a veteran:

 

A veteran is someone – whether active duty, retired, National Guard or Reserve, served one day or twenty years – who at one point in their life wrote a blank check made payable to the Government of the United States of America for an amount of “up to and including my life.”

If you are a veteran or a family member of a veteran and have a question or need any assistance, please contact our office. If you know of a veteran who may need a little support or just someone to talk with, contact our office.

Thank you for your service.

I am honored to serve Franklin’s veterans and their families. 

Respectfully submitted,

Dale L. Kurtz

Veterans’ Service Officer

The full Annual Report for 2021 can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2021_annual_report.pdf

The collection of Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/town-franklin-annual-reports

Annual Report Of The Veterans’ Service Officer - FY 2021

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node, Virtual Meeting, Thursday, August 18, 7:00 PM

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node, Virtual Meeting, Thursday, August 18, 7:00 PM

Our next 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node meeting will be on Zoom, this Thursday, August 18, 7:00-9:00 pm. (We schedule two hours to leave time for discussion and conversation, but we understand if you need to sign off early.)

Zoom link for the meeting, August 18, 7:00-9:00 pm.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88924607755?pwd=bHl1empTRVFxYzdZUmVBSGl1Q0p3Zz09
Meeting ID: 889 2460 7755
Passcode: 350ma
Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

During the meeting, our agenda will include an update on the outcome of climate bills in the state legislature, actions to promote national and regional changes, and local developments.

Regarding the successful campaign to pass our state's climate bill, An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind, please read the statement by 350 Mass Political Director Cabell Eames.  

Remember that you can stay involved and receive updates from 350 Mass via the Climate Weekly email. Sign up here.
Learn more on the 350 Mass website.

We hope you can join us Thursday at 7:00 pm. We'll send a reminder on Thursday.

Thank you for your commitment to the struggle for a transition to a just, equitable, and clean energy economy.

Node Co-coordinators,
Carolyn Barthel
Ralph Halpern

Ralph Halpern
ralph.halpern@comcast.net
781-784-3839 (h)
339-203-5017 (c)

Zoom Presentation - Discrimination During the Job Search - August 17,2022

 

Southwick Public Library

Presents

 

Discrimination During
the Job Search

With

Career Coach Ed Lawrence

 

Wednesday August 17^th: 6:30 pm

 

Have you encountered discrimination during your job search?

Would you recognize subtle discrimination against you?

 

Join us as we discuss the many forms of discrimination you may encounter
during your job search.

 

We will define common terms such as prejudice, discrimination, and stereotype. We'll discuss protected groups and self-fulfilling prophecies.

 

You'll hear the cost to society.

 

And most importantly, we'll tell you what can do when you encounter discriminatory practices.

 

To Register: Contact the Southwick Public Library.

Email - southwicklibrary@comcast.net         Phone: 413-569-1221

 

--

Ed Lawrence

www.getstart-ed.com

CPRW; NCOPE

Certified Interview Coach

Authorized DISC Administrator

Member, CPRW Certification Committee 

Governor Baker Signs Legislature’s Expansive Mental Health Bill

Law will further equitable access to mental health care for residents

Today (08/16/2022), legislative leaders and advocates joined Governor Baker for the ceremonial bill signing of the Mental Health ABC Act: Addressing Barriers to Care, comprehensive legislation to continue the process of reforming the way mental health care is delivered in Massachusetts, with the goal of ensuring that people get the mental health care they need when they need it.  The Governor officially signed this legislation into law on August 10, 2022.

The Mental Health ABC Act is driven by the recognition that mental health is as important as physical health for every resident of the Commonwealth and should be treated as such. The legislation includes a wide variety of reforms to ensure equitable access to mental health care and remove barriers to care by supporting the behavioral health workforce.  

"One moment, many years ago, I made the split-second decision to share the story of my family's struggle with mental illness—a moment of vulnerability and honesty that has become a movement, as more and more people stand up and speak up for accessible, high quality mental health care," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "We all deserve to have access to the mental health care we need, when we need it, and I am thrilled to see comprehensive mental and behavioral health care reform signed into law. I'd like to thank my colleagues in the Senate—especially Senators Cyr and Friedman—Speaker Mariano and our partners in the House, and Governor Baker, as well as the countless individuals, families, advocates, providers and others who have stood up for the idea that mental health is just as important as physical health, and to everyone who has fought for mental health care reform in Massachusetts and never gave up."

"Simply put, this legislation will move us closer to treating mental and physical health equally, as it builds upon our long-standing efforts to improve our behavioral health care delivery system," said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). "I'm incredibly proud of the fact that this legislation will help to address the behavioral health crisis that so many of our residents are currently experiencing, especially young people. I want to thank my colleagues in the House, Senate President Spilka and our partners in the Senate, and Governor Baker for prioritizing increased support for the Commonwealth's mental health infrastructure."

"Today's ceremonial bill signing signifies a vital stride toward transforming mental health care in Massachusetts," said Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro), Senate of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery. "By signing the Mental Health ABC Act into law, we codify and affirm that mental health is just as essential as physical health and take a leap forward to ensure that all people in Massachusetts can access the mental health care they need and deserve. I am deeply grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka for her leadership and example, to Senators Friedman, Rodrigues, and Tarr for their efforts in this most urgent endeavor, and to Representative Madaro for his partnership."

"Too many people in communities across the Commonwealth struggle to get the mental, emotional and behavioral health care they deserve," said Representative Adrian C. Madaro (D-Boston), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery. "This legislation helps reduce barriers to resources, support, and treatment residents need for their overall wellbeing. It enables enforcement of existing parity laws, enhances emergency response services and acute psychiatric care, develops programs to strengthen the workforce, and invests in mental health. Importantly, our legislation also creates initiatives to address the unique mental health needs of young people. This legislation is the first step in addressing the structural deficits in our mental health care delivery system by prioritizing the people it serves and the people who make it work."

"The health care system in Massachusetts is only as strong as its weakest link, and for far too long, mental health care has been overlooked and underfunded," stated Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. "This law confronts this reality with the most comprehensive mental health care action the Commonwealth has seen in recent years, and it builds off of the historic investments we made in this care system over this past two-year legislative session. Of particular importance to me, this bill will finally provide the state the tools it needs to enforce existing mental health parity laws and it will address the emergency department boarding crisis that is impacting too many of our children and their families. I have long believed that Massachusetts should deliver affordable, high quality, and accessible care to its residents, and this includes mental health care."

"With this legislation, the House and Senate make an important investment in mental health care—and in the mental and behavioral health workforce," said Representative Denise C. Garlick (D-Needham), Chair of the House Committee on Bills in the Third Reading. "Every aspect of this bill is rooted in the fact that we support and strengthen health care workers through a focus on health equity, equitable reimbursement, and supporting those who support providers. Every resident will benefit from a stronger workforce providing care."

"This bill takes major and necessary steps to advance and strengthen the delivery of mental health care in our Commonwealth, by securing parity with physical health care, moving pediatric mental health patients expeditiously from emergency departments to more appropriate treatment settings. I am pleased that amendments that I offered to address mental health needs of police, firefighters, EMTs, and other first-responders are included as well as the requirement that online portals with updated information and resource will be available in real-time," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R- Gloucester), a member of the conference committee. "These and other components of the bill make the identification and treatment of mental health in our Commonwealth stronger, better, and more effective so that people in need of care can better access essential resources in the right place and provided by the right people."

"This legislation is a sea-change, greatly improving access to mental and behavioral health services and addressing some of the most challenging aspects of delivering this critical health care to all," stated Representative Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury). "Far too many families have seen loved ones suffering and unable to access the short and long term care they need to get well and be well, my family included. I am grateful for the work of the conferees and the leadership of the Legislature." 

The following are features of The Mental Health ABC Act:

• Guaranteeing Annual Mental Health Wellness Exams. This law mandates insurance coverage for an annual mental health wellness exam, comparable to an annual physical. 
• Enforcing Mental Health Parity Laws. This law provides the state with better tools to implement and enforce parity laws by creating a clear structure for state agencies to receive and investigate parity complaints and ensure their timely resolution.
• Initiatives to Address Emergency Department Boarding. This law creates online portals that provide access to real-time data on youth and adults seeking mental health and substance use services and includes a search function that allows health care providers to easily search and find open beds using several criteria; requires the Health Policy Commission (HPC) to prepare and publish a report every three years on the status of pediatric behavioral health as the youth boarding crisis is particularly acute; requires the Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA) to report on behavioral health needs; updates the expedited psychiatric inpatient admissions (EPIA) protocol and creates an expedited evaluation and stabilization process for patients under 18.
• 988 Implementation and 911 Expansion. This law increases access to on-demand behavioral health care through the implementation of the nationwide 988 hotline that will provide 24/7 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis services and expands 911 to bridge the gap until 988 is implemented.
• Red Flag Laws and Extreme Risk Protection Orders. This law initiates a public awareness campaign on red flag laws and extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) that limit access to guns for people at risk of hurting themselves or others. 
• Reimbursing Mental Health Providers Equitably. The law requires an equitable rate floor for evaluation and management services that is consistent with primary care. 
• Reforming Medical Necessity and Prior Authorization Requirements. This law mandates coverage and eliminates prior authorization for mental health acute treatment and stabilization services for adults and children and ensures that if a health insurance company intends to change its medical necessity guidelines, the new guidelines must be easily accessible by consumers on the health insurance company's website. 
• Creating a Standard Release Form. This law directs the development of a standard release form for exchanging confidential mental health and substance use disorder information to facilitate access to treatment by patients with multiple health care providers. 
• Increasing Access to Emergency Service Programs. The law requires health insurance companies to cover Emergency Service Programs (ESPs), community-based and recovery-oriented programs that provide behavioral health crisis assessment, intervention, and stabilization services for people with behavioral health needs. 
• Expanding Access to the Evidence-Based Collaborative Care Model. The law expands access to psychiatric care by requiring the state-contracted and commercial health plans to cover mental health and substance use disorder benefits offered through the psychiatric collaborative care model. 
• Reviewing the Role of Behavioral Health Managers. The law directs the Health Policy Commission (HPC), in consultation with the Division of Insurance (DOI), to study and provide updated data on the use of contracted behavioral health benefit managers by insurance carriers, often referred to as 'carve-outs.'
• Tracking and Analyzing Behavioral Health Expenditures. The law directs the Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA) to define and collect data on the delivery of behavioral health services to establish a baseline of current spending and directs the Health Policy Commission (HPC) to begin tracking behavioral health care expenditures as part of its annual cost trends hearings. 
• Establishing an Office of Behavioral Health Promotion. The law establishes an Office of Behavioral Health Promotion within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to coordinate all state initiatives that promote mental, emotional, and behavioral health and wellness for residents. 
• Increasing Access to Care in Geographically Isolated Areas. This law directs the Department of Mental Health (DMH) to consider factors that may present barriers to care—such as travel distance and access to transportation—when contracting for services in geographically isolated and rural communities. 
• Enhancing School-based Behavioral Health Services and Programming. This law enhances school-based behavioral health supports, increases access points for effective behavioral health treatment by limiting the use of suspension and expulsion in all licensed early education and care programs and public schools, and creates a statewide technical assistance program to help schools implement school-based behavioral health services.
• Increasing Access Points for Youth for Effective Behavioral Health Treatment. The law requires behavioral health assessments and referrals for children entering the foster care system and establishes an interagency review team to ensure young people with complex behavioral health needs are assisted quickly and with cross-agency support and coordination.
• Expanding Insurance Coverage for Vulnerable Populations. This law ensures individuals over 26 years old who live with disabilities can remain on their parents' health insurance.
• Creating a Roadmap on Access to Culturally Competent Care. Under this provision, an interagency health equity team under the Office of Health Equity, working with an advisory council, will make annual recommendations for the next three years to improve access to, and the quality of, culturally competent mental health services. Paired with the Legislature's ARPA investment of $122 million in the behavioral health workforce through loan repayment assistance programs, this roadmap will make great strides toward building a robust workforce reflective of communities' needs. 
• Allows for an Interim Licensure for Licensed Mental Health Counselors. The law creates an interim licensure level for Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) so that they can be reimbursed by insurance for their services while obtaining supervised practice hours towards full licensure and be eligible for state and federal grant and loan forgiveness programs.
• Expanding Mental Health Billing. This law allows clinicians practicing under the supervision of a licensed professional and working towards independent licensure to practice in a clinic setting.
• Updating the Board of Registration of Social Workers. The law updates the membership of the Board of Registration of Social Workers to clarify that designees from the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Department of Public Health (DPH) be licensed social workers. 

"During a national mental health emergency, Massachusetts leaders in the Legislature, Administration, and healthcare community joined to craft, pass, and sign landmark legislation to address equitable access to behavioral health care in the Commonwealth," said Danna Mauch, President and CEO of the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health (MAMH). "MAMH applauds the pacesetting institution of universal payor participation in and coverage for annual mental wellness exams, 24/7 telephonic behavioral health help line, comprehensive crisis services, behavioral health urgent care, and collaborative care as part of roadmap for reform."

"The passage of An Act addressing barriers to care for mental health signals the Commonwealth's ongoing commitment to improving mental health care access and quality for Massachusetts residents," said Lydia Conley, President/CEO of the Association for Behavioral Healthcare (ABH). "This landmark law will help individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, reduce emergency eepartment boarding, and ensure that parity laws are followed and enforced. ABH is grateful for the continued leadership of the Senate, House, and Governor in driving forward important reforms with the urgency these issues demand." 

"The collaboration between the Administration and the Legislature to pass the 2022 Mental Health law has been extraordinary," said Mary McGeown, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC). "This landmark law creates vital tools and strategies to help families, schools and communities respond to the current child mental health crisis and to address long standing gaps in access to care. As part of the leadership team of the Children's Mental Health Campaign, we are thrilled to see these meaningful reforms signed into law today." 

"On behalf of the National Association of Social Workers - MA Chapter, we are thrilled this landmark mental health legislation has been signed into law," said Rebekah Gewirtz, Executive Director of NASW-MA. "We are especially encouraged that the new interagency health equity team will work to support a more diverse behavioral health workforce that represents communities served and that will better ensure culturally competent care. Passage of this law will go a long way to improving the quality of life for all Massachusetts residents at a time of such acute and pressing need for critical behavioral healthcare services." 

"This is a groundbreaking day for mental healthcare in the Commonwealth," said Steve Walsh, President and CEO of the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association. "Our hospitals and health systems applaud leaders in the Senate, House, and Baker Administration for making it possible. This law is grounded in systemic changes to guarantee long-promised parity, bolster the behavioral health workforce and—perhaps most critically—better address the mental health needs of children. Behavioral health has been a top priority of every healthcare organization in Massachusetts since before the pandemic began, and they remain deeply committed to ensuring that every community member has access to the resources and care they need." 

"Access to quality mental health care has never been more important," said Dr. Sandhya Roa, Chief Medical Officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. "This legislation is the culmination of years of work by policymakers and stakeholders to reform the mental health delivery system across the Commonwealth. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts applauds this thoughtful, evidence-based approach to increasing capacity, improving integration with physical care, and making targeted investments to better serve our residents." 

"MAHP applauds the House and Senate for their collaboration and leadership in seeking to improve access to behavioral health care services and treatment. We thank bill sponsor Senate President Spilka for her dedication and leadership," said a statement from the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans (MAHP). "MAHP and our member health plans are pleased to see that the mental health ABC legislation includes important policy solutions to reduce emergency department boarding of patients seeking mental health and substance use disorder services, including codifying the expedited psychiatric inpatient admission process, and ensuring patients have timely access to the behavioral health care they need in the emergency department while in crisis. Our health plans are committed to providing high quality and comprehensive behavioral health benefits, in compliance with state and federal mental health parity laws. We look forward to working with the legislature next session to ensure that the entire health care system treats physical and behavioral health the same." 

"On behalf of our patients, the physicians of the Massachusetts Medical Society extend our gratitude to Governor Baker, and we thank Senator Cyr and our legislators for their leadership in recognizing the importance and urgency surrounding this bill," said Dr. Theodore Calianos, President of the Massachusetts Medical Society. "The COVID-19 public health crisis amplified myriad challenges our patients face in accessing timely, high-quality, comprehensive mental health care, challenges that can be especially insurmountable for the most vulnerable residents of the Commonwealth. Provisions in this bill will empower patients and physicians to make decisions that will more often lead to optimal outcomes for those who need and seek mental health care." 

"With the passage of the Mental Health ABC Act, we are at the dawn of a new day for mental health treatment in the Commonwealth," said Dr. Grace Chang, President of the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society. "We are now leading the nation in parity for mental health care just when it is most needed.  MPS congratulates the Massachusetts legislature on its visionary measure and looks forward to assisting in its implementation." 

Having been officially signed by the Governor on August 10, 2022 the Mental Health ABC Act is now law. 

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Wednesday, Aug 17, 2022

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

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio/FPS Voice – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 9 AM)

• This slot features recording of two conversations with Franklin's Town Clerk, Nancy Danello. The first covers the State Primary. The second covers the overall election process.  (1) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/07/multiple-updates-discussed-with-town.html   (2) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/08/nancy-danello-franklin-town-clerk-talks.html

10:00 AM 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone    All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points

11:00 AM 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock

Franklin and its local government, services and events (repeats Saturday at 3 PM)

• This hour features Part 1 of the 3 part DPW Water Series, all about the water supply from well head to faucet. #588 in the Franklin Matters podcast archives.

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY

7:30 am It Takes A Village: 40 Percent Club

8:30 am Arts Advocacy Day: Marketing

10:00 am Care For Ukraine

11:30 am Whole Health Visions: Cheryl Bagangan

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs

12:30 pm Sandhya: Eclairs

1:00 pm Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Repeat Offenders

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 8

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Spring 2019 Show 2

3:30 pm Veterans' Call: Monuments

4:30 pm ArtWeek: Ed Iannuccilli

6:00 pm Cooking Thyme: Apple Crisp

6:30 pm 4th of July 2022: Mo Bounce

9:30 pm Concerts on the Common: Northeast Groove

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = WEDNESDAY

7:00 am Public School Concert: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-14-19

8:30 am FHS Oskey 2022

10:00 am SAFE Coalition: Youth Sports

11:00 am Public School Concert: FHS Spring Jazz '22

1:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Soccer: v Milford 10-25-21

3:00 pm Battleship Cove: 3D Print Lab

3:30 pm Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 1 03-14-18

5:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Soccer: v King Philip 10-06-21

7:30 pm Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 1

9:30 pm FHS Varsity Field Hockey: v Central Catholic 11-09-21

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = WEDNESDAY

8:00 am Town Council: 07-20-22

2:00 pm Town Council: 07-20-22

7:00 pm Town Council: Live, Chambers, 830 8201 2472

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

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

St John’s Episcopal Church Celebrates 125 years of ministry in Franklin

Join us on Sunday, September 11 at 10 AM for a historical Worship Service (in the style of 1897). You’re even invited to wear period costumes! This will be followed by a festive picnic, viewing of historical artifacts, learning about our connections to the native peoples of the area and the Armenian community in Franklin, creation of a timeline, a scavenger hunt for the kids, and mystery photos to identify. If you’ve ever had a connection to St John’s, or if you think you might like to, please join us for this celebration.

Our community began during the ‘Third Awakening’ of Christianity which followed the civil war. A series of revival meetings held in Franklin by traveling missionaries from the U.S. Army Church during the summer of 1897 inspired a community of local Episcopalians to establish the “St. John's Mission.”  The community held their services in the Baptist Meeting House until 1910 when they succeeded in raising funds to build their own church on School Street.  

The church grew steadily in the early twentieth-century and, by the 1950s, outgrew the School Street sanctuary, which was sold to Dean College.  The mission community formally joined the Episcopal Diocese as a parish in 1961, at which point the diocese recommended that they purchase a larger site out of the town center. 

In 1966, the construction of the present church and parish hall down in the leafy dell at 237 Pleasant St. was completed and celebrated.  Throughout our history, St. John’s has been active in the civic life of the town, particularly in the institution and support of a robust Franklin Food Bank and the success of the interfaith Council. 

The Episcopal Church is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, and a branch of the Jesus Movement. We walk the middle way between Catholic and Protestant, seeking God’s presence in Word and Sacrament, as well as in all of Humanity and Creation. 

Our governance is democratic; our priesthood is not restricted to one gender; and many of our priests are married. At St John’s, we welcome all kinds of families: Gay, Straight, Transgender, Single Parents, Divorced, Widowed, Recovering, Seeking, Young, Old, and unsure.

St John’s Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant Street, Franklin

For more information:

Call 508-528-2387 Email Admin@StJohnsFranklinMA.org

Like us on Facebook  and Twitter

See our website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org  

St John's Episcopal Church

Annual Report Of The Cultural District Committee - FY 2021

Note: FY 2021 is last year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). The report was prepared to cover the business for the FY 2021 period. This year’s report FY 2022 (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) is in preparation now and is normally available for distribution at the polls for the November election.

The Franklin Cultural District Committee is a volunteer committee appointed by the Town Administrator and ratified by the Town Council. The committee is comprised of up to seven members, all of whom are town residents. The committee meets as a full group once a month and subcommittees comprised of board members and partners meet as needed.

The FCDC hosts quarterly Partners meetings. These meetings usually rotate among weeknights and locations in town in an effort to provide flexibility in attendance, as work schedules vary throughout the town. During the COVID Pandemic all FCDC meetings have taken place using the Zoom platform. The meetings are publicized through social media, as well as print media. Meeting times, dates and agendas are posted on the Town’s website. All meetings are open to the public.

Members:

Nancy Schoen, Chair John LoPresti, Vice-Chair Pandora Carlucci, Clerk Amy Adams

Jamie Barrett Evan Chelman Roberta Trahan

Mission Statement. 

Our mission is to enrich and inspire our residents and visitors by fostering local cultural, artistic, culinary and historical development aligned with local partners in a defined walkable area, the Cultural District that is easily accessible and serves as the center of economic activity.

Our goals include:

● Actively promoting the arts by attracting local artists and supporting cultural activities within the town;

● Encouraging business and job development;

● Helping to preserve and promote the town’s historical sites and events;

● Building community spirit within Franklin and encourage civic involvement; and

● Helping to create an appealing, attractive, and vibrant destination for tourists.

 

During FY21 the FCDC received a $7,500.00 grant and a $500.00, Festivals Grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The FCDC re-granted the majority of these funds to several Franklin Cultural District Partners through an application review process.

FCDC regularly works to collaborate with Franklin Cultural District’s partners, focusing on supporting and participating in their efforts. In collaboration with many of our Cultural District Partners, FCDC sponsored Franklin’s first ArtWALK Celebration.

During the ArtWALK Celebration weekend, eighteen Franklin artists displayed their artwork in fifteen different businesses in the Cultural District. Throughout the ArtWALK weekend there were many performances held in the Cultural District.

The FCDC was pleased to be able to support the following projects offered to the community by our Cultural District Partners. These events were all part of the weekend ArtWALK Celebration.

● Dave Burnham on behalf of LiveARTS for three piano recitals which were held in the Franklin Historical Museum

● Franklin Art Association purchase of sixty easels which the artists used to display their artwork in fifteen businesses throughout the Cultural District

● Caleigh Keating and Bree Comeau, Children’s Librarians at the Franklin Public Library for a performance of the Hodge Podge puppet on the Franklin Town Common

● Raye Lynn Mercer on behalf of the Franklin Performing Arts Company, THE BLACK BOX Theater and the Franklin School for the Performing Arts for a tent that was used for many performances during the summer

● Dale Kurtz, Veterans’ Agent for the Town of Franklin a grant for engraving on the Veterans’ Walkway

● Franklin Public Schools Music Department Master Class for students and a performance on the Town Common featuring violinist Sarah Whitney, accompanied by Franklin High School musicians

● 67 Degrees Brewing for a visual art demonstration and three musical performances during the ArtWALK Celebration 

● Franklin Downtown Partnership for the installation of the Ladybug sculptures.

In the spring of 2021, the FCDC received a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council. With this grant the FCDC was able to sponsor two concerts. The first concert was a cello recital featuring Franklin resident, Brent Selby. This recital was recorded by Franklin TV, was live streamed on Facebook and was also broadcast on the local cable several times for viewing by the entire Franklin community. The second concert was a viola recital featuring Don Krishnaswami which was held at THE BLACK BOX Theater. At this performance Mr. Krishnaswami performed the premiere of Julian Grant’s Suite for Solo Viola. The Franklin Cultural Council also sponsored a concert on the Town Common featuring the Latin, Jazz Band Mark Shilansky and “Join the Group”.

Beginning in June 2020 the FCDC began publishing a monthly electronic newsletter. During the past year, the number of newsletter subscribers has more than doubled. Franklin Cultural District Newsletter highlights include:

● What’s Happening in the District

● Cultural Partners’ Updates

● Cultural District News

● Beyond the Cultural District

The newsletter has enabled the Cultural District Committee to share important Cultural District news and events with a wide audience. All editions of the FCD Newsletters can be found on the Franklin Cultural District website, https://www.franklinculture.org/.

 

● Twitter @franklin culture

● Instagram @franklinculture

The Franklin Cultural District Committee will continue to support and promote the arts throughout the Franklin Community.

Respectfully submitted, 

Nancy Schoen

FCDC Chair

The full Annual Report for 2021 can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2021_annual_report.pdf

The collection of Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/town-franklin-annual-reports

Annual Report Of The Town of Franklin - FY 2021

Register O’Donnell Reports on July Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported that the July 2022 numbers relative to Norfolk County recordings indicate a continuing decrease in overall real estate activity compared to the July 2021 numbers but show a marked increase in average sale prices.

“Our data indicates that the Norfolk County real estate numbers in July demonstrate a continued slowdown in the market compared to 2021 and a slight decrease from the month of June,” noted Register O’Donnell. “There were 10,884 documents recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds in July, a 35% decrease from July, 2021 and a decrease of 16% from June, 2022”.

“The number of deeds for July 2022, which reflect real estate sales and transfers, both commercial and residential, show a decrease of 26% from July, 2021 and a decrease of 21% from the previous month. However, sale prices continue to rise. The average sale price in July was $1,220,594, a 20% increase compared to July 2021 and a slight 3% increase from June. Total dollar volume of commercial and residential sales is down, decreasing 11% from one year ago and decreasing 19% from last month,” noted the Register.

Overall lending activity show a pronounced trend downward for the month of July. A total of 1,886 mortgages were recorded during the month, a significant decrease of 45% compared to a year ago and a decrease of 19% from June. “It appears that the increase in the mortgage interest rates and the fact that many consumers have already refinanced continue to impact mortgage activity,” noted O’Donnell.

A continuing cause for concern in Norfolk County is the number of pending foreclosures. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely watching the foreclosure market. In July, there were 9 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, four more than in July, 2021 and two more than in June.  However, there were 21 Notices to Foreclose, the first step in the foreclosure process, recorded in July, up significantly from only 5 recorded in July 2021. “The dramatic increase in the number of these notices is alarming. It indicates that more of our neighbors are facing financial challenges going forward”, said O’Donnell.  “We will continue to monitor these numbers.”

For the past several years, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has partnered with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x376, and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, 508-587-0950 to help anyone facing challenges paying their mortgage. Another option for homeowners is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. Register O’Donnell stated, “If you are having difficulty paying your monthly mortgage, please consider contacting one of these non-profit agencies for help and guidance.”

 

Homestead recordings by owners of homes and condominiums decreased again this month at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.   There was a 23% decrease in homestead recordings in July 2022 compared to July 2021. “The reduction in recorded Declarations of Homestead from July, 2021 is not too surprising where the sales of homes continue to level off, but all homeowners, not just new purchasers, should keep in mind that a recorded Declaration of Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual’s primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000,” noted O’Donnell. “We want to see folks protecting the biggest asset most of us have, our homes.  I would urge anyone who has not availed themselves of this important consumer protection tool to consider doing so.  The recording fee is only $36. Feel free to visit the Registry website at www.norfolkdeeds.org  to get more information on homesteads and to make sure you have taken advantage of this protection.”

Register O’Donnell concluded, “July real estate activity in Norfolk County continues to show a decline from last year. We still see the increase in sale prices from last year as indicating a continuing lack of available real estate inventory but looking at the numbers from last month, it appears the market may be starting to cool down a bit.”

The Registry of Deeds is open to the public. Registry personnel are processing in-person recordings as well as electronically filed recordings. The volume of documents recorded electronically for many of our institutional users continues to increase. We are also receiving documents in person, via regular mail, Federal Express, UPS and from the outside drop-off box at 649 High Street, Dedham, MA.”   

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Register O’Donnell Reports on July Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County

Annual Report Of The Town Council - FY 2021

Note: FY 2021 is last year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). The report was prepared to cover the business for the FY 2021 period. This year’s report FY 2022 (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) is in preparation now and is normally available for distribution at the polls for the November election.

The Town Council is the holder of all general, corporate, legislative, and appropriation powers of the Town of Franklin. On behalf of the Town Council, I submit our annual report for fiscal year 2021.

Franklin Town Council 

Tom Mercer, Chair
Robert Dellorco, Vice Chair
Glenn Jones, Clerk 

Matthew Kelly 

Deborah Pellegri 

Melanie Hamblen 

Andrew Bissanti 

Brian Chandler
Eamon McCarthy-Earls (Resigned - September 2020) Cobi Frongillo (Elected - December 2020)

Budget Subcommittee
The Budget subcommittee is Chaired by Councilor Matthew Kelly. Subcommittee members are Thomas Mercer, Deborah Pelegri and Melanie Hamblen.

The subcommittee had a total of 4 meetings in FY21 and approved a balanced budget for FY21.

Economic Development Subcommittee

The Economic Development Subcommittee is chaired by Melanie Hamblen. Members of the committee are Glenn Jones, Andrew Bissanti, Eamon McCarthy-Earls (through September 2020), Brian Chandler, and Cobi Frongillo (December 2020 - present).

A special thank you to Councilor Brian Chandler who stepped in to serve on EDC while a special election commenced. As of January 2021 Cobi Frongillo has stepped in to serve on the Economic Development Subcommittee.

Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town Council had a very active and productive year preserving and growing the local economy. As COVID-19 had a devastating impact on many local restaurants, the Town Council voted to give the Town Administrator authority to grant temporary outdoor dining licenses as allowed by the ABCC. This change allowed for restaurants to have outdoor dining in order to comply with COVID-19 regulations. Outdoor dining was further extended into the fall season and eventually extended for the entirety of the declared state of emergency in Massachusetts to give many struggling restaurants the opportunity to keep their doors open.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic the Council approved a Temporary Bylaw Amendment for the Municipal Service Fees Section A to reduce 2021 Annual License Fees by 25% for all Section 12 Common Victualer Licenses for the 2021 renewal period only, after which the full fees shall be reinstated. This was an effort to alleviate some of the financial burdens on local restaurants.

The Council also approved state Farmer Series Section 19 licenses for the first ever craft brewery and first ever craft distillery in Franklin and continues to improve the current bylaw to attract similar businesses. The introduction of Farmer Series licenses to town has provided a much needed economic boost.

The Economic Development Subcommittee held a series of five Business Listening Sessions with Business owners, key stakeholders and citizens to discuss needs, ideas and strategies to improve Franklin's Economic Development, Marketing and communications. These sessions focused on:
● Downtown Franklin, the Crossing, and Franklin Cultural District
● Restaurants, Hotels and Hospitality
● Retail, Personal Services and Fitness
● Industrial Parks and Manufacturing
● Real Estate, Construction and Housing.

Capital Budget Subcommittee
The Capital Budget Subcommittee is Chaired by Councilor Debbie Pellegri and has members consisting of Robert Dellorco, Matthew Kelly, and Brian Chandler.
 
The Capital Budget Subcommittee recommended that the full Town Council appropriated:

Capital Round 1:
● School - Vehicles, Infrastructure, technology & Equipment - $200,000
● Facilities - Infrastructure - $500,000
● Fire - Equipment & Technology - $127,535
● Police - Vehicles, Equipment, Technology - $299,675
● Public Works - Infrastructure & Vehicles - $415,000
● Water Enterprise - Vehicles, Infrastructure, Technology & Equipment - $753,000
● Sewer Enterprise - Infrastructure & Vehicles - $506,000

Capital Round 2:
● Finance - Budget Stabilization - $137,000
● Public Works - Road & Infrastructure, Snow & Ice Personnel/Expenses, Vehicle - $182,058
● Technology - Sonic Firewall Upgrade & Licenses - $219,489
● School - Security Expansion - $32,000
● Treasurer/Collector - Software - 25,000
● Animal Control - Vehicle - $20,000
● Facilities - Police Station Study - $150,000

Ad Hoc Stormwater Committee
The Ad Hoc Stormwater Subcommittee is chaired by Melanie Hamblen and has members consisting of Robert Dellorco, Glenn Jones and Eamon McCarthy Earls. The subcommittee held four Community Information Sessions to educate the community on the facts and financial burdens of stormwater. These sessions were held at various times, days of the week and locations to be able to accommodate all who wanted to attend. However due to the COVID-19 pandemic one session which would have been held at the library was cancelled. A formal recommendation is being discussed in 2021 at the Town Council level about how to finance this unfunded mandate from the federal government (EPA).
 
More information on stormwater can be found here: https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division.

Other
The Franklin Town Council unanimously supported the authorization to add the Community Preservation Act to the November 2020 ballot. The passing of this Act would result in a 2% surcharge on real property to begin in FY21 for the purposes of acquisition, creation, preservation, and rehabilitation of open space, historic resources, land for recreational uses, and support of community housing. CPA previously failed at the ballot in 2007 with a 56.5% voting no. However, 58% voted yes in 2020. Thank you to the citizens of Franklin for investing in your future by agreeing to pay more to protect open space, ballfields, parks, affordable housing, and historical preservation.

The Council established a Community Preservation Committee consisting of one member of the Conservation Commission, one member of the Historical Commission, one member of the Housing Authority, one member of the Recreation Advisory, one member of the Planning Board and four at large citizens.

The Town Council celebrated the completion and opening of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) Prospect Street Tunnel in October of 2020 during a ribbon cutting with supporters, Representative Jeff Roy, Senate President Karen Spilka, Senator Becca Rausch, Town and state officials.

The Town Council continues to work with the Senior Center/ Council on Aging and the Administration on educating the community and increasing awareness and understanding of the Dementia Friendly initiative.

The Plastic Bag Prohibition Bylaw passed and went into effect in July 2020 with the option for local businesses to apply for a three month compliance extension for economic hardship.
 
The Town Council signed a 36 month contract with consultant Colonial Power Group and electricity supplier Dynegy Energy Services to design, implement, manage, and supply its electricity program. This program is designed to reduce the community's carbon footprint, enhance individual homeowner choice for electricity rates and achieve more stable pricing.

The Town Council voted to renew the Comcast Cable License Agreement. The renewal term for this agreement will be from December 2, 2020 to December 1, 2030. In this agreement Comcast has agreed to a discount for qualified Senior Citizens 65 or older as well as $2.00 off its monthly “Extra” Service Level or that Digital Level of Service.

The Council approved a balanced budget and worked with the Town Administration on obtaining a five year capital plan for all departments including the Water and Sewer Enterprise funds.

Several Zoning Bylaw and traditional Bylaw amendments were approved in FY21 consisting of various lot line cleanups throughout town, changes to former bylaws to comply with the towns MS4 Permit and Stormwater management plans, and updates to the Fire Departments ALS/BLS and Mileage rates.

The Town Council determined a water rate increase to prepare for the water treatment plant and the reconstruction of wells 3 and 6. This is a $12 million dollar project that will add 720K GPD for public safety, preservation of the water supply and potential for future economic growth.

The Town accepted over $224,000 worth of donations in the 2021 fiscal year. These donations helped to support various Town Departments.

The Council successfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. In the early months of the pandemic the Town Council held remote virtual meetings using the ZOOM platform. Starting July 29th Council members and select staff hosted meetings in the Council chambers and broadcast them over television live streams, citizens were able to participate in the meeting using the zoom platform.
 
Finally, on behalf of the entire Town Council, I would be remiss if I did not thank all of the employees of the Town of Franklin for their tireless dedication, innovation and work during the year of 2020/2021 dealing with the global COVID-19 pandemic. We have been impressed and blessed with the incredible staff we have to keep the organization moving forward on all of the Town’s goals. Thank you!

It is a pleasure to serve my fellow citizens and to submit this annual report on behalf of the Franklin Town Council for your review.

Sincerely, 

Thomas Mercer Chairman, 

Franklin Town Council 

The full Annual Report for 2021 can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2021_annual_report.pdf

The collection of Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/town-franklin-annual-reports

Annual Report Of The Town Council - FY 2021

Call the Senior Center to participate in the Memory Café Wednesday August 17 at 1 PM

Hello All,

We hope that you will join us at the Franklin Senior Center this Wednesday, August 17 at 1 PM for our "Where's The Toast" Memory Café.  

Our café is free and open to anyone with memory loss, their caregivers, family and friends. Please RSVP 508-520-4945.

We look forward to seeing you,

Ariel

Memory Café Wednesday August 17 at 1 PM

--

Ariel Doggett

Respite Coordinator

Supportive Day Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll

There is no act of kindness too small