Master Plan Update Cmte: Public Outreach

Public Outreach Master Plan

Read more

Congressman Auchincloss; An Update From Your Congressman for the past 2 weeks

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. Updates from the Select Committee on China Bipartisan border deal Celebrating science and scientists Bipartisan tax package Advocating for "Complete Streets"           — Social Services roundtable  Learning alongside the next generation at Southeastern Regional VoTech High School Supporting families living with Alzheimer's New Hope groundbreaking for domestic violence survivors Brookline Muslim Friends and Congregation Beth El-Atereth Israel  On the Hill Updates from the Select Committee on China: I asked former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who described January 6th as a "peaceful transfer of power," to testify that President Biden was duly elected in a free and fair election. While under oath, Secretary Pompeo refused to assert that the 2020 election was "free and fair". The Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party should not take a lecture on democracy from an election denier.  America cannot defend democracy overseas if we do not protect it at home. I joined Select Committee Chairman Mike Gallagher and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi in introducing the BIOSECURE Act, a bill to ensure foreign adversary biotech companies of U.S. national security concern do not gain access to U.S. taxpayer dollars. Innovation must be guided by values. The Chinese Communist Party and its affiliated biomedical corporations are operating unethically in the collection of genetic information without consent, and U.S. taxpayers should not be helping to fund those or other nefarious practices. American tax dollars should instead be directed towards basic research that unlocks more cures. Bipartisan Border Deal: I joined CNN to discuss the bipartisan national security proposal that offers tough and fair policy on the border – improving due process, upgrading security and curtailing the surge of fentanyl – while providing necessary aid to our allies in Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The Senate's comprehensive national security bill is the right way to defend our allies and to strengthen our border security. Speaker Johnson should put this bill on the floor after Senate passage instead of handing Putin and the drug cartels a win by calling it "dead on arrival." I would vote "Yes" on the current version.  Celebrating science and scientists: I joined Dr. Monica Bertagnolli to celebrate her confirmation as Director of the National Institutes of Health. I look forward to working with Director Bertagnolli to advance biomedical research through federal engagement. The NIH is in good hands with an MA-04 resident at the helm!   Bipartisan Tax Package: I voted to pass the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, bipartisan legislation that would expand the Child Tax Credit, making the credit available to an additional 15,000 children in MA-04 and 182,000 across Massachusetts. This tax package will increase the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) by 12.5% from 2023-2025, an expansion I advocated for in a recent letter to the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee. Expanding the successful LIHTC Program will allow Massachusetts to allocate more credits for affordable housing projects. Additionally, the bill restores preferential tax treatment for corporate R&D, which especially helps biotech companies.  I spoke to the Boston Globe about the impact this tax deal would have on Massachusetts, which may be the state in the union that would most benefit if this bill passed the Senate and became law. Support for families, more affordable housing, and more biotech R&D are three big wins for the Bay State. Advocating for "Complete Streets": With Representative Cohen and Senator Markey, I introduced an improved version of our Complete Streets Act, which would make roads safer and more accessible by ensuring states direct a portion of their federal highway funding towards the creation of a Complete Streets Program. A "complete street" provides safe and accessible transportation options for children, seniors, and people with disabilities by prioritizing infrastructure for pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transit users. Under the Complete Streets Act, eligible local and regional entities can use funds from their state's Complete Streets Program for technical assistance and capital funding to build safe street projects such as sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks, and bus stops. Walking shouldn't be dangerous. Pedestrian deaths are surging in the United States, and Congress must respond. Promoting Complete Streets helps ensure that pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists operate safely. And the design and infrastructure of Complete Streets is not just safer – it's also better for ambience, the environment, and retail. Make your voice heard → I want to hear from you.  Do you support federal engagement to move away from car-centric infrastructure? Around the Fourth Social Services roundtable: I hosted a virtual roundtable discussion with social service providers and non profit organizations in Newton, Brookline, Wellesley, and Needham. I provided an update on expansions of the Child Tax Credit and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit passed by the House, shared resources for constituents to engage with federal agencies, and engaged in a dialogue about the needs of residents who face the steepest economic challenges.  Longtime Newton affordable housing advocate and Executive Director of CAN-DO, Josephine McNeil, provided information about the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax preparation services for qualifying taxpayers. The VITA program has operated for over 50 years and offers free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including: People who generally make $64,000 or less Persons with disabilities; and Limited English-speaking taxpayers There are five VITA locations in our district: CAN-DO in Newton, Citizens for Citizens in Fall River, Franklin Public Library in Franklin, and High Street Veterans Family Learning Center and Trustman Family Learning Center in Brookline. You can find the one nearest to you using the IRS locator tool: Find a Location for Free Tax Prep | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov). Learning alongside the next generation: Students from the Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School, in Easton, took me on a tour of their school and moderated a Q&A session with their classmates. I watched medical assistants-in-training conduct clinical tests while I peppered them and their teacher with questions about the curriculum and their career goals. A repeated refrain was their desire to help people by working in health care. In my conversation with students, I spoke about gun violence prevention legislation, social media regulation, and – my favorite point with students – the importance of taking smart risks early on to pursue your passion, even when you're afraid to fail. Living with the effects of Alzheimer's: Adelaide of Newton Centre hosted a conversation on Alzheimer's with caregivers. I listened to their stories and learned more about bed shortages, training for first responders, and caregiver burnout. We also discussed how Americans need to better insure for long-term care, and my commitment to supporting biomedical research and – when the cures do come – patient access to therapies without risk of medical debt. New Hope groundbreaking: I joined New Hope to break ground on their new confidential shelter project, House of Hope, which will expand New Hope's mission to serve victims of domestic violence and sexual assault by providing the capacity to support an additional 20 families per year. Survivors of sexual and domestic violence deserve a place in our community where they can go for protection, care, and safety. People looking to flee bad situations, whether by themselves or with family, shouldn't have to worry about finding a safe place to stay as they begin to rebuild their lives. When I first visited New Hope, I listened to stories from survivors about fleeing sexual and domestic violence with no money and no idea where to go next. New Hope is that 'next' – and with support from a federal earmark I designated, it will soon have a facility worthy of its mission. Despite this local win, we are not doing enough at the federal level. Right now, Congress is debating the 2024 federal appropriations. The Crime Victims Fund, created by the Victim of Crimes Act, which helps fund emergency shelters facing cuts. Protecting survivors of domestic and sexual violence should not be a partisan issue, and we should not be cutting funds that are designated to help the most vulnerable. Brookline Muslim Friends and Congregation Beth El-Atereth Israel: I met with members of Brookline Muslim Friends, a group of MA-04 residents who have lived and raised their families in Brookline for decades. We spoke about the need to protect civilians in the midst of the Israel-Hamas war, while making sure that our neighbors feel safe in their communities here at home. On the same day, I met with members of an Orthodox temple in Newton where we discussed the hostages held by Hamas, the Biden Administration's response to aggression by Iranian-backed proxy groups, and the prospects of a two-state solution.  As I continue to have important and difficult conversations across the district with Muslim and Jewish constituents, I am encouraged by the commonality of our desire and our work for welcoming, pluralist communities where everyone can raise their children to believe in the promise of America for equal dignity and justice for all. Onwards, Jake WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Steet Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110 Contact Unsubscribe

Franklin Cultural District: Check out the calendar for what's happening! #artshappenhere

Visit the Cultural District page ->  https://www.franklinculture.org/

Find the full Community event 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 Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/39/2023-12

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

Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School congratulates 20 students for induction into NHS

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School wishes to congratulate the 20 students who were inducted into the Peter Rickard chapter of the National Honor Society in a recently-completed ceremony in the company of their peers, family, friends and school faculty, staff and administrators.  The inspirational keynote address was delivered by Mr. John Becker, a member of the TC staff, the faculty leader of the new cornhole club, and a former regional sales manager.

Election to the National Honor Society requires the demonstration of four personal characteristics: scholarship, leadership, character, and service.  Candidates’ applications are reviewed and evaluated by a panel of six Faculty members who recommend NHS membership to the Principal, Mrs. Dana M. Walsh, for approval. 

 

The new NHS Members were sworn-in and promised to uphold the four pillars of the National Honor Society.  As part of the ceremony, each new member acknowledged a teacher who has made a strong impact upon them.  

Chapter leadership was introduced and sworn-in as officers for the class of 2024 including:

 

President: Ivy Young

Vice President: Nicholas Ewanchuk

Secretary: Carol Abdel Alrhim

Treasurer: Matthew Noonan

Social Media manager: Ryan Zagrodny

Ambassadors: Kaylee Chouinard (Administration), Savannah Nosek (Design), Emma Jameson (Culture)

 

In addition, the accomplishments of the current NHS seniors were recognized.  

spearheaded many new traditions that I hope to see remain in future years, including 

• Senior Sunrise on the first day of school, 
• A school-wide awareness initiative and fundraiser for suicide prevention

• A well-executed fundraiser with Panera, 
• a fall Dodgeball tournament in collaboration with Student Council, 
• a student and faculty art gallery evening that raised over $200 to donate to the Maui Strong fund,
• targeted support for TC teachers, 
• an effort to begin a student boosters program to market and support existing efforts of student clubs and sports
• and the continuation of our longstanding tradition of a spring Speedball tournament and fundraiser.

 

Together, the groups of 38 NHS seniors have contributed over 624 hours of community service this year.  The types of service they have provided range from school-related events such as open houses, freshmen orientation, athletic leadership, and School Committee meetings, to support of our wider communities through religious groups, Scouting, local food pantries, specialty camps, blood drives, youth sports, police department community events, public library initiatives, animal shelters, and hospital or healthcare settings.  Four seniors were acknowledged for each documenting more than 40 hours of community service this year: Dylan Sullivan, Alexis Hubert, Emma Latham, Savana Martinsen

 

Below is a list of the students, by community, who gained induction into NHS:

Franklin
Conor Cadorette ‘25
Sunny Dion ‘25
Nicholas Harootunian ‘25
Brendan Purvis ‘25
Eric Talamini ‘25

Medway
Nathan McCurdy, ‘24

Millis

Connor Girouard ‘25

 

Norfolk
Jacqueline Mullen ‘25

North Attleboro
Christina Abdel Alrahim ‘25
Tyler Bellavance ‘25
Maggie Handren ‘25
Matilda Keating ‘25
Sydney Piette ‘25
Jack Simmons ‘25

Plainville
Annie Hatami ‘25

Seekonk
Cayden Bourassa ‘25
Jack Pardi ‘25

Walpole
Kaleigh Stenstrom ‘25

Wrentham

Noah Gable ‘25
Martin McCrave ‘25

Annual Report Of The Veterans' Services Office: FY 2023 Report

The Veterans' Services Office (VSO) serves Veterans and their dependents in recognition of their service to our country. Our mission is to ensure Franklin Veterans can access the local, state, and federal benefits available to them. We also strive to foster camaraderie and community engagement among our Veterans. Responsibilities of the VSO include, but are not limited to, dispensing benefits under MGL Chapter ll5, assistance with filing VA claims and applying for VA Health Care, administering the Franklin Municipal Veterans' Assistance Fund and Veterans' Gift Fund, managing the Veterans' Property Tax Work-Off Program, providing information about property tax exemptions for disabled Veterans, and making referrals to community agencies for housing, employment, mental health, eldercare, and transportation services. We work with our Veterans' Council, Town departments, and community partners to host numerous patriotic and social events throughout the year.

As our Veterans and their dependents age, there are more demands for benefits provided by the Commonwealth's Department of Veterans' Services and the U. S. Department of Veterans' Affairs. It is important that Veterans and surviving spouses identify themselves on the town census. This information enables the VSO to identify the number of Veterans living in Franklin and the services available to them. We encourage all Veterans and their surviving spouses to contact the VSO.

The VSO is always willing to attend school events and other community events to speak about Veterans, Veterans' benefits, the military experience or to support a patriotic event. We invite other Veterans to attend such events as well. We also work with Boy and Girl Scout groups and students who are interested in community service projects when Veteran-related projects are available.

Franklin Veterans' Council

Established in 20l5, the Franklin Veterans' Council meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm, at the Franklin Senior Center. Dates, times and meeting locations are posted on the Veterans' Services web page. All Veterans and any Franklin resident or organization interested in Veterans' activities 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.

Veterans Memorial Walkway

Families continue to honor their U.S. Veterans and active duty family members by purchasing engraved bricks for the Memorial Walkway on the Town Common. Bricks are installed on the Walkway prior to Memorial Day and Veterans' Day each year. 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. Thank you to all who have supported this project by honoring their Veteran with an engraved brick. To date, l849 engraved bricks have been purchased and installed on the Veterans Memorial Walkway. Bricks will be sold until all blank bricks on the Walkway have been engraved.

Monument Restoration

Four War Monuments were cleaned and restored this year, including the World War I Monument, the Civil War Statue, the Spanish-American War Monument, and the Persian Gulf War Monument.

Veterans Coffee Socials

Attendance at the monthly Veterans coffee socials continues to grow as an opportunity for Veterans to have a cup of coffee (tea, water, pastries) together and to socialize with other Veterans. The socials are held the first Wednesday of the month at l0:00 a.m. at the Senior Center. The VSO provides updates on benefits and activities and invites guest speakers to discuss Veteran-related topics several times a year. Franklin Veteran Bob Crowley gave a brief discussion about his Honor Flight experience in November. In April, we celebrated the fourth anniversary of our monthly coffee socials. We presented Starbucks' associates with a certificate of appreciation for their ongoing support of Veterans and for catering our coffee socials for the last four years at no charge.

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 each year. In August 2022, l4 Franklin Purple Heart recipients and their families were recognized at the Veterans Coffee Social. 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 are a Purple Heart recipient, please contact our office.

Quilt of Valor Awards

Since its inception in 2003, the mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to "cover Service Members and Veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor." To date, over 300,000 quilts have been awarded to Service Members and Veterans nationwide. This past year, Quilts of Valor were awarded to Franklin Veterans living at the Enclave of Franklin Assisted Living Community, Magnolia Heights Independent Living Community, Cedarwood Gardens Health and Rehabilitation Center, and at Veterans' private homes. Thus far, Quilts of Valor have been awarded to 48 Franklin Veterans by the Massachusetts Quilts of Valor State Coordinator Theresa Perreault and her assistants.

Veterans' Day Program

On November 11, 2022, Franklin Elks Lodge #2l36 hosted the annual Veterans' Day Luncheon. With l20 guests in attendance, the featured speaker was Army Veteran and Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient Robert Gardner. American Legion Post 75 Chaplain Robert Markunis offered the invocation. The FHS chorus provided musical interludes during the luncheon and members of the American Legion provided an Honor Guard and posted the colors. VSO Shannon Nisbett made remarks about why we celebrate Veterans' Day and thanked all Veterans in attendance for their service and sacrifices. She highlighted activities and programs supported by American Legion Post 75 and VFW Post 3402 and encouraged attendees to consider joining these organizations to continue the great work they do on behalf of Veterans. Navy Veteran Richard Hynes explained that the POW-MIA table, which was on exhibit, is meant to remind us about those U.S. service members still not accounted for. The luncheon was attended by state and local officials including State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and members of the Franklin Town Council. Chris Flynn, of Franklin TV, videotaped the luncheon which later aired on Franklin's All Access Community TV. Special thanks to the Franklin Elks for the delicious luncheon and for their continued support of Veterans' activities and programs throughout the year.

Memorial Day Breakfast

Sponsored by the Friends of Franklin Elders (FOFE), the annual Memorial Day Breakfast was held on May 26, 2023 at the Senior Center. Students from Tri- County Regional Vocational Technical School's culinary department, under the direction of instructor Nancy Haney, prepared and served the breakfast. Chaplain Bob Markunis of American Legion Post 75 offered the invocation. VSO Shannon Nisbett emceed the event and Veteran Advocate and Community Educator Rose Turco was the featured speaker. Remarks were given by State Rep. Jeff Roy and State Senator Rebecca Rausch. Ernest Carruthers, Quartermaster at the VFW Post 3402, recognized Larry Bederian, the outgoing VFW Commander, and thanked him for his many years of service in that position. The FHS chorus, under the direction of Mary Kate Pezzillo, provided musical interludes and FHS student Brady Devlin performed "Taps" on the bugle. Members of the American Legion Post 75 provided an Honor Guard and posted the colors. Navy Veteran and Memorial Day Parade Co- Chairman Richard Hynes explained the significance of the POW-MIA table, which was on display. Parade Co-Chairman and Navy Veteran Ernest Carruthers provided details about the upcoming parade. Thank you to Kathy and Joe Lesica for making the beautiful table centerpieces and to Chris Flynn of Franklin TV for videotaping the event, the Starbucks East Central Street Team for providing coffee, and all the guest speakers and volunteers who made this event possible.

Parade and Ceremony

The Memorial Day parade was held on May 29, 2023. Franklin resident and Veteran advocate Mark Ellis was selected as the Grand Marshal of this year's parade and made remarks at the ceremony that followed the parade. Along the parade route, local Boy and Girl Scouts placed memorial wreaths (made by the Girl Scouts) at Dean College, Union Street, and St. Mary's cemeteries and at the war memorials on the Plaza. Bands from Franklin High School, Remington, Annie Sullivan and Horace Mann middle schools and Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School marched and played patriotic songs in the parade. American Legion Post 75 provided an Honor Guard and Rifle Team, VFW Post 3402 and Knights of Columbus Council l847 provided Honor Guards, the Franklin Fire Department provided an Honor Guard and fire engines for the parade, and the Franklin Police Department provided a police detail along the parade route. The Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School ROTC, along with instructor Major Travis Bowser of Franklin, marched in the parade as well as local Scout groups. Rev. Dr. Jacob Juncker, Brother Phil Bennallack and Father Brian Manning participated in the presentation of honors at Dean College, Union Street Cemetery and St. Mary's Cemetery along the parade route.

Reverend Doreen Oughton offered the invocation and benediction and Marine Veteran Joe Collins led the Pledge of Allegiance at the Memorial Day ceremony. American Legion Commander John Milot read the names of Franklin Veterans who had passed since last Memorial Day. Outgoing VFW Post 3402 Commander Larry Bederian and incoming Commander Ernest Carruthers, along with Marine Veteran Dawn Anderson, also participated in the Honor Roll presentation at the ceremony. The FHS band, under the direction of Leighann Rudsit, performed the National Anthem, and FHS buglers Brady Devlin and Peter Bryan played "Taps."

Many thanks to Chris Flynn and Chris Leverone of Franklin TV for providing media coverage of our Memorial Day events. Thank you to Allegra Printing for donating the Grand Marshal parade banner again this year.

Special thanks to parade committee members, Lt. Eric Zimmerman of the Franklin Police department, Battalion Chief Tom Carlucci of the Franklin Fire Department, Richard Hynes and Ernest Carruthers, Parade Co-Chairs, Camille Napier Bernstein, Gerry Bradie, Frank Coughlin, John Hefele, Chaplain Bob Markunis, John Milot, Debra Martin, Shannon Nisbett, Rose Turco, Lester Quan and the many volunteers who provided support on Memorial Day. Thank you to our parade drivers, the Franklin Public Works and Facilities departments and the Franklin Garden Club members for their assistance, support and beautification of the Town Common.

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. This year's programs have featured National Service Officers from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services, Matt Ching and Tom Ryan, MA Veterans' Bonus Manager, Steve Croteau, American Legion Post 75 Commander John Milot, and VFW Post 3402 Quartermaster Ernest Carruthers.  

Find Veterans Call -> https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbAODFjFPJ0wytXIB_AExm_qUn2WyA2nW

Chair of Honor

The Chair of Honor, which commemorates those who served in the U.S. military but have not returned home, resides at the Franklin Senior Center. The empty chair is displayed at the Memorial Day Breakfast and other Veterans' events as a reminder of the service and sacrifices made by prisoners of war or those still missing in action. As of May 2023, there are more than 8l,000 American troops still unaccounted for.

Display Case at the Town Hall

Our office maintains the Veterans' display case in the Town Hall lobby. The displays focus on Veterans' Day, Memorial Day and other Veteran-centric historical events, as well as feature Veterans and Veterans-related projects in our community. The current display highlights the War Monuments Restoration Project on the Town Common.

Other Events and Activities

In August 2022, Elks Lodge #2l36 sponsored a Dinner-Dance fundraiser with all proceeds from ticket sales and raffles going to the War Monuments Restoration Project. Thank you to Mark Ellis and the Elks Lodge #2l36 membership for their ongoing support of Franklin Veterans' activities and events.

On December 9, 2022, our office hosted a resume building workshop with New England Center and Home for Veterans at the Senior Center.

Also in December, our office, along with the help of Franklin Veterans and families, decorated a Veterans' Holiday Tree for the Senior Center's first annual Winter Wonderland event. Our beautiful live tree was raffled off and was won by a Franklin Veteran.

On February 8, 2023, we hosted a Greater Franklin Virtual Career Fair for Veterans with the MassHire Department of Career Services.

A new Veterans Tax Work-Off program was established in 2022. Like the Senior Tax Work-Off program, Franklin military Veterans (or their surviving spouse) can "work-off" up to $l,500 of their annual real estate tax bill by volunteering their services in a Town department in exchange for an abatement on their property taxes.

"Tune It Out," our learn-to-play-guitar program for Veterans, began in July 202l. Research suggests that active music engagement reduces anxiety, increases relaxation levels and improves overall well-being.

There are currently 15 learners and four volunteer instructors who meet at the Senior Center on Tuesdays from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. In September 2022, we hosted an Open House to introduce Veterans to the guitar program and in June 2023, we hosted a guitar class pizza party to show our appreciation for the volunteer instructors. We are grateful for the generous donations of guitars and funds we have received from members of the community in support of this program. Veterans may call the VSO to sign up for classes.

We are continuing our Buddy Check program with the help of a Veteran volunteer. With their permission, we call Veterans and Veterans' widows or widowers either weekly or monthly to check in on them and ask if we can be of any help. Many of our Veterans live alone and appreciate hearing a friendly voice on the phone. Please contact our office if you are a Veteran who would like to be included in our Buddy Check program

 

Community Support

Veterans' Services thanks these faithful supporters:

The Friends of Franklin Elders (FOFE) for their sponsorship and support of Veterans' events.

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

The many departments in the Town of Franklin that support our Veterans' programs. It takes a team effort to accomplish all that we do.

Franklin Elks Lodge #2l36 for their continued support of Franklin Veterans including the sponsorship of the Veterans' Day Luncheon and the Veterans' fuel assistance program. In addition to fundraisers, Elks Lodge #2l36 conducts activities during the year that support Veterans in local VA medical centers and other facilities.

American Legion Edward L. Grant Post 75 Commander John Milot and Legion members for their support of local Veterans, their leadership in our Veterans' Day and Memorial Day events, and for volunteering their time to spruce up Veterans' gravesites at St. Mary's cemetery, led by John Hefele.

VFW Post 3402 and newly appointed Post Commander Ernest Carruthers for co-chairing the 2023 Memorial Day Parade, hosting the parade committee luncheon following the Memorial Day Parade, and their ongoing support and commitment to Franklin's Veterans and Veterans-related events.

Starbucks, East Central Street, for generously catering our monthly Coffee Socials and other Veterans' events.

Franklin Matters, Franklin Observer and Franklin Local Town News for their coverage of Franklin Veterans' events and activities.

The Franklin Garden Club for the beautification, care and maintenance of the Veterans' Memorial on the Town Common.

Community volunteers, including Boy and Girl Scouts, who assist our office with activities and events throughout the year.

Franklin Public Schools' Music department for their talent and support at various Veterans' events.

The citizens of Franklin for their support of our Veterans and active duty service members.

If you are a Veteran or a family member of a Veteran and have a question or need any assistance, please contact our office.

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."

Thank you for your service.

I am honored to serve Franklin's Veterans and their families.

Respectfully submitted, 

Shannon Nisbett 

Veterans' Service Officer

The full Town of Franklin FY 2023 Annual Report can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/annual_report_2023_0.pdf

Annual Report Of The Veterans' Services Office: FY 2023 Report

Reminder: Metrowest Networkers welcomes Marcy Venezia - Feb 16

Goal Setting for Business Success

Plan your year in an Hour

February 16, 2024

7 Bishop St; Framingham, MA

Meeting Time:  10 AM – Noon

 

Join us to learn how to make better decisions and obtain better results.

Planning now can laser focus your job search for the rest of the year.

 

Marcy will show you how to:

·       Review your past efforts and assess what went well and what didn't.

·       Size up your challenges and opportunities.

·       Develop a realistic plan to take advantage of the opportunities

·       Create a roadmap for business

 

Marcy Venezia, CEO Nightingale Group LLC, incorporates business expertise, project planning and holistic practices.  She has an MBA, is a Certified Project manager and has been a consultant for over 10 years.  She has served as Executive Director of Above the Clouds, CEO of Little Turkey REIT and consulted with many businesses to providing guidance and tools. Recent clients include  Metro South Chamber of Commerce,  JT Rydes, and others.

For corporate training or questions call or email Marcy at 781-223-8221 or marcyvenezia@gmail.com  

 

The Metrowest Networkers Group meets the 1^st and 3^rd weeks of the month. Join us to commune with other job seekers and gain support for your job search. In addition to networking opportunities, we shall frequently offer guest speakers and learning opportunities.

Metrowest Networkers welcomes Marcy Venezia - Feb 16

Franklin Art Association meeting 2/7/24 CANCELLED

Dear FAA Members, 

Unfortunately guest artist Phil Pariseau is very ill with COVID and will not be able to present tomorrow night so we have made the difficult decision to CANCEL the FAA meeting for Wednesday February 7th. 

 

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Wednesday, Feb 7, 2024

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

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

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)

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = WEDNESDAY

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = WEDNESDAY

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

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA