Sharon Health Department Journal

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FOOD TRUCK FEST - MAY 17
Event Information
Click on each image to learn more about the Food Truck Fest and who will be participating! The Health and Recreation Departments can't wait to see you all there!
Event Vendors
Join the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)!
The Town of Sharon is part of the Bristol Norfolk MRC, which includes the communities of Sharon, Foxborough, Mansfield, North Attleborough, Norton, Rehoboth, and Seekonk.
MRC volunteers are invited to participate in emergency preparedness trainings, disaster response drills, community health initiatives, and educational opportunities designed to strengthen local public health response efforts.
Why the MRC Matters
MRC volunteers play an important role in supporting public health and community safety. Whether assisting during emergencies, helping at community events, or promoting health education and preparedness, volunteers help ensure our communities are ready to respond when support is needed most.
Who Can Join?
Anyone age 18 or older is welcome to join. Both medical and non-medical volunteers are needed, and all skill sets are valuable. Whether you have a healthcare background or simply want to support your community, there are opportunities for everyone. Volunteers may choose the level of involvement and time commitment that works best for them.
How to Become a Member
- Visit the MA Responds website: www.maresponds.org
- Fill out a volunteer application
- Print the completed CORI application from MA Responds and fill out the missing information
- Notarize the CORI form
- Send original CORI documents to Linda Paolucci, BNMRC Volunteer Coordinator. For address, please email Linda at: BNMRC@hotmail.com
If you have any questions, please reach out!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
This May, we encourage our community to take time to prioritize mental well-being. Mental health is an essential part of overall health, and small steps, such as checking in with yourself, reaching out to someone, or taking a short walk, can make a meaningful difference in how we feel each day. Remember, you are not alone, and support is always available.
The Sharon Health Department has partnered with Care Solace, a complimentary and confidential care coordination service available 24/7/365. In times of need, Care Solace can help quickly, connecting individuals with mental health or substance use treatment providers, matching providers with the needs of the individual, regardless of circumstances.
If you or someone you know may benefit from additional support, please reach out:
• Visit the link below to search independently or click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone
Your mental health matters.
HESSCO
Building Your Circle, Supporting Your Wellbeing
This month, we’re focusing on everyday steps that support what I like to call “mental healthiness”—small actions that reduce anxiety, boost confidence, and help you feel more supported. A great place to start is by asking yourself: What makes me feel healthy and connected? Social activities, independence, caregiving support, and simple planning can all strengthen your well-being.
Social Connection
Connection doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Choose places where you already feel welcome—your Council on Aging, library, community center, or a favorite café. Revisit an activity you enjoyed last spring: a walking group, book club, craft class, fitness program, community meal, or a volunteer opportunity with HESSCO. Pick what feels natural, give it a try, and remember you’re not obligated to stay if it’s not for you.
Independence
Independence doesn’t mean doing everything alone—it means having the right support so you can stay safe, active, and confident. Consider small steps that help you enjoy your daily tasks again: making a phone call to sort out a question, getting new sneakers for walking, updating your glasses, or organizing recipes for spring cooking.
Caregiver Support
Caregivers often struggle to prioritize themselves. Support is available, even if asking for help feels difficult. HESSCO offers many resources through Manager of Caregiver Support Judy Wood, including The Journey caregiver newsletter and a virtual support group held twice monthly—a safe place to share experiences with others who understand.
You can reach Judy at jwood@hessco.org or 781-784-4849 ext. 220.
Planning Ahead
Planning ahead can greatly reduce stress and “what-if” worries. Small habits—laying out clothes the night before, keeping spare glasses handy, giving a trusted person a spare key, charging your phone, setting medication reminders, or keeping simple meals in the freezer—can increase peace of mind. Planning isn’t about expecting something bad to happen; it’s about feeling prepared and supported.
Please remember, HESSCO is here for you. A small step toward support can make a big difference in your daily well-being.
HESSCO Contact
HESSCO Elder Services
545 South Street, Suite 300
Walpole, MA 02081
P: 781-784-4944
F: 781-784-4922
https://www.facebook.com/HESSCO/
Event Information
Agenda can be found at: https://www.townofsharon.net/AgendaCenter
Public Health Nursing Notes
Help is out there. You are never alone. Mental Health Matters and So Do You!
MA Mental Health Hotline/Suicide Line: 988 (text or call)
MA Behavioral Health Hotline: (833) 773-2445
SafeLink Domestic Abuse or Violence: 1-877-785-2020
Parental Stress Line: 1-800-632-8188
Massachusetts Substance Use Information and Education Helpline: 1-800-327-5050
Nurse's Office Hours
Pop-In With the Public Health Nurse
Pop-In with the Public Health Nurse, second Wednesday of the month 10:30AM-12:00PM at the Sharon Council on Aging.
Sharon FD Hot Takes
The Animal Control Chronicle
What Came First - the Chicken or the Permit?
Thinking about keeping hens, horses, cows, or pigs on your property? Before bringing home any domesticated animals, be sure to obtain the required permit from the Board of Health. Permits are mandatory for all residents who wish to keep domesticated animals in the Town of Sharon. Please note: roosters are not permitted.
Domesticated animals include, but are not limited to: hens, horses/ponies, cows, and pigs. For a full list of approved animals and the number allowed per property, please review the Animal Regulations.
Permit applications can be submitted online by following this link or clicking on the button below: https://sharonma.portal.opengov.com/categories/1081/record-types/6408
All animal permits expire annually on November 14th, so please ensure yours is current. If you have questions or need assistance, reach out and we can help!
Healthy Recipes!
Recipe of the Month - Oatmeal Pecan Waffles
Kids will love these whole-grain waffles made with whole-wheat flour and oats!
Yield
- 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup oats (quick-cooking)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup nuts (pecans, unsalted, chopped)
- 2 eggs (large, separated)
- 1 1/2 cups milk (fat-free (skim))
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cups berries (strawberries, halved)
- 1 cup berries (blackberries)
- 1 cup berries (blueberries)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (powdered)
Steps
- Preheat waffle iron.
- Combine flour, oats, baking powder, sugar, and pecans in a large bowl.
- Combine egg yolks, milk, and vegetable oil in a separate bowl, and mix well.
- Add liquid mixture to the dry ingredients, and stir together. Do not overmix; mixture should be a bit lumpy.
- Whip egg whites to medium peaks. Gently fold egg whites into batter.
- Pour batter into preheated waffle iron, and cook until the waffle iron light signals it’s done or steam stops coming out of the iron. A waffle is perfect when it is crisp and well-browned on the outside with a moist, light, airy and fluffy inside. (Or make pancakes.)
- Add fresh fruit and a light dusting of powdered sugar to each waffle, and serve.
To find more recipes, visit: https://www.nutrition.gov/recipes
Any Suggestions?
If you have any ideas you would like The Health Department to include in future newsletters, please reach out to us at (781) 784-1500 ext. 1205 or email agreeley@townofsharon.org!
Where Does It Go? Disposal Tips!
RECALLS
It's important to regularly check the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recall list because defective or unsafe products, including drugs, food, and medical devises, can reach consumers.
When you're aware of active recalls, you can act quickly - stop using the product, follow the manufacturer's instructions, and contact your healthcare provider or retailer of needed. Failure to do so can mean exposure to serious health risks or harm even when the chance may seem small.
Staying informed is a simple but powerful step in protecting your health and the wellbeing of those around you.
agreeley@townofsharon.org
www.townofsharon.net/health-department
