Shared from Twitter:
https://twitter.com/franklinpolice/status/1243933502321590273
Keeping Calm during this COVID-19 pandemic |
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Keeping Calm during this COVID-19 pandemic |
Ihssane Leckey’s makeshift studio greets visitors as soon as they enter her apartment.Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
A lighting device is mounted to a step ladder, aimed at her desk. Her laptop is perched on top of a WiFi booster box. On a recent afternoon, she untangled any problems that might arise during her virtual town hall, which was scheduled to begin in about 30 minutes. A campaign worker beamed in on her screen to assist in the troubleshooting, as her dog, Benji, stretched by her feet.
“This is the fun part: the problem-solving,” said Leckey, a social justice activist vying to fill the 4th Congressional District seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy III, who is running for the Senate.
Just weeks ago, candidates - from presidential to local school board - were shaking hands, knocking on doors, and holding crowded campaign rallies. That’s all been halted, as health experts urge the public to practice social distancing to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.
"Since Gov. Charlie Baker declared a coronavirus state of emergency on March 10, the executive branch has been busy spelling out in orders, advisories and guidance documents exactly what should and what should not happen as the state deals with the pandemic.
Some of the governor’s order and directives have widespread and sweeping consequences - the closure of all non-essential businesses and an urging to stay at home as much as possible - while others are more narrow and are meant to address fairly specific issues, like pharmacy operations.
But during the state of emergency, the orders handed down by the governor function essentially as temporary laws and the steady rollout of new executive actions sheds some light on the various fronts on which state government and public health officials are fighting the new coronavirus."
In the News: A week of orders from Gov. Baker |
"Today, I am warning the public about fraudulent letters threatening suspension of Social Security benefits due to COVID-19 or coronavirus-related office closures. Social Security will not suspend or discontinue benefits because their offices are closed.
The Social Security Office of the Inspector General has received reports that Social Security beneficiaries have received letters through the U.S. Mail stating their payments will be suspended or discontinued unless they call a phone number referenced in the letter.
Scammers may then mislead beneficiaries into providing personal information or payment via retail gift cards, wire transfers, internet currency, or by mailing cash, to maintain regular benefit payments during this period of COVID-19 office closures."
"First, I want to say my heart is with each of you as we all struggle with the impacts of this COVID-19 crisis on our health, lives and families.
In a matter of weeks, our world has changed dramatically. We, at MassBudget, are working hard (remotely) to share reliable information (https://medium.com/@MassBudget) on the most urgent issues facing our Commonwealth. We are providing real time policy analysis and data to legislators. We are working in partnership with coalitions to focus our research on the most urgent solutions. We are channeling the unique expertise of our team of analysts to tackle the important challenges ahead.
As a growing number of Massachusetts residents fall ill and thousands lose their jobs everyday, we are all vulnerable. In the coming days and weeks, I look forward to working in partnership with you to focus our policy solutions on economic recovery efforts, protecting kids and families, all while centering racial and economic equity in our solutions."
In solidarity,
Marie-Frances Rivera
President, MassBudget
MassBudget’s Week-in-Review: COVID-19 Response |
Franklin, MA: Coronavirus Update - Public Facilities Closure through May 4 |
Senator Becca Rausch |
Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #7 |
"The 2020 Census response rate map shows how cities and towns across the country are now responding. The map will be updated daily around 3 PM for everyone to see the response rate in their area and compare it to other areas across the nation. The map also shows the comparable response rate from the 2010 Census for each geography."
30.2% of Households Have Responded to the 2020 Census - 39% in Franklin! |
39% response as of 3/26/20 which is more than MA (at 32%) |
"Paul Debaggis, a former member of the Franklin, Massachusetts Planning Board, Board of Selectmen and Town Council, and today a veteran building inspector, shares his stories of a town that led Massachusetts in growth at many points over the past 50 years"
"Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, who has been at the center of the state’s efforts to respond to the outbreak of a deadly coronavirus, has tested positive for COVID-19, according the Department of Public Health, and will recuperate at home as she continues to work remotely.
Bharel, in a statement, said she was tested Thursday night and received her results back Friday.
“As the public health commissioner and an essential state employee, I have been vigilant about practicing social distancing from my colleagues and members of the public. My symptoms so far have been mild. I have notified my appropriate close contacts and will rest and recuperate at home, while continuing to carry out my work responsibilities remotely,” Bharel said in a statement.
The Department of Public Health said its offices, which are also headquarters for the coronavirus command center being led by Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders, will be “thoroughly cleaned over the weekend.”
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From left to right: Chai Harsha, Lauren Dennett, Christopher Broyles, Lauren Dennett, Jenna VanHyning |
From left to right: Cathie Rebelo, Stephen Dockray, Harry Takesian |
From left to right: Patricia Munger, Tara Lane, Maureen Johnson, Suzanne Dodakian, and Lisa Ferrigno |
Shared via Facebook (and confirmed with a conversation with DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi, that you should hear soon)https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW/photos/a.938433076241163/2980216915396092/
Don't put the pink bags out when you put out your trash/recycling |
"Hosts Joe Landry and Eamon McCarthy Earls delve into the story of the Ray Block, home to a succession of banks from the 1800s into the present day in downtown Franklin, Massachusetts"
Help the Franklin Downtown Partnership |
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Franklin Public Schools: Extension Of Closure Update - 3/25/20 |
not a great photo but an example of the live meeting format |