Sunday, May 3, 2020

Dean Foods Completes Sale of Assets to Dairy Farmers of America

Dean Foods Company (“Dean Foods” or the “Company”) today announced that it has completed the previously announced sales of substantially all of its assets, including the sale of the assets, rights, interests and properties relating to 44 of the Company’s fluid and frozen facilities to subsidiaries of Dairy Farmers of America (“DFA”)

Dean Foods also announced that it has completed the sale of the assets, rights, interests and properties relating to eight facilities, two distribution branches and certain other assets to Prairie Farms Dairy. The Company also completed the sale of its facility in Reno, Nevada and its “Berkeley Farms” trademark and related intellectual property to Producers Dairy Foods. 

“We are pleased to complete these transactions, which maximize value for our stakeholders and will enable substantially all of our businesses to continue operating and serving customers across the country,” said Eric Beringause, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dean Foods. “Our team has put in considerable work over the last several months to find the right partners for our assets that would enable them to continue to succeed while preserving the most jobs possible and to ensure a smooth transition for our customers and partners. The completion of these sales is a testament to our employees’ efforts. I also want to thank our entire team for their commitment and dedication to Dean Foods not only over the last several months, but over the past several years. Their hard work has helped Dean Foods build and grow brands and products that customers love, and I feel fortunate to have had the chance to work side by side with this extraordinary group.” 

The Company also announced that as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s (“DOJ”) approval of Dean Foods’ transaction with DFA, DFA has entered into a Consent Decree with the DOJ under which DFA has committed to hold separate and ultimately divest the dairy processing plants located in DePere, WI, Franklin, MA and Harvard, IL together with certain assets related to the operations at each plant. 

Upon closing of these sales, Mr. Beringause has stepped down from his role as President and CEO. 

As previously announced on April 4, 2020, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas (the “Court”) also approved the sale of Dean Foods’ facility in Miami, Florida to Mana Saves McArthur, LLC for $16.5 million. The Company anticipates completing the transaction early next week. 

As previously announced on April 30, 2020, Dean Foods completed the sales of the Company’s Uncle Matt’s business to Harmoni, Inc., and of its Hilo facility and related distribution branches on the Big Island, Kauai and Maui, as well as a license to the Meadow Gold Hawaii brand name and related intellectual property, to MGD Acquisition, LLC.

Additional information is available on the restructuring page of the Company’s website, DeanFoodsRestructuring.com. In addition, Court filings and other information related to the proceedings are available on a separate website administered by the Company’s claims agent, Epiq Bankruptcy Solutions LLC, at https://dm.epiq11.com/case/southernfoods/dockets, or by calling Epiq representatives toll-free at 1-833-935-1362 or 1-503-597-7660 for calls originating outside of the U.S. 

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP and Norton Rose Fulbright are serving as legal advisors to the Company, Evercore is serving as its investment banker and Alvarez & Marsal is serving as its financial advisor. 

Above shared from:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200501005548/en/Dean-Foods-Completes-Sale-Assets-Dairy-Farmers

Related from Courthouse News Service
https://www.courthousenews.com/justice-department-approves-sale-of-bankrupt-dairy-producer/
 

 
a view of the facility at Garelick Farms
a view of the facility at Garelick Farms

MassBudget: COVID-19 - Updates: Progressive Revenue Amid the Pandemic


"In this week's video update, our President, Marie-Frances Rivera, discusses shorter and longer-term policy solutions to ensure just recovery from the pandemic's impact on the Commonwealth, with Senior Policy Analysts, Phineas Baxandall and Kurt Wise, and Communications Director, Reggie Williams."

https://youtu.be/XNsogxfW0c4





For more from MassBudget:  https://medium.com/massbudget

MBTA Notices: Franklin/Dean - Forge Park shuttle Sunday; face coverings required May 6

Beginning on Wednesday, May 6 all riders will be required to wear face coverings.

In line with our efforts to help slow the spread of COVID-19, we’ve further postponed all subway diversions through Thursday, May 7. Subway, bus, and Commuter Rail will continue to run at reduced service levels.

This is an ongoing situation, and for the latest information, riders should check mbta.com/coronavirus

-----------

Franklin – Forge Park/495 - Saturdays, May 2 and 9

Shuttle buses replace Franklin Line service between Franklin and Forge Park/495 to allow for track maintenance.   https://www.mbta.com/diversions/franklin-line

 
Shuttle buses replace Franklin Line service between Franklin and Forge Park/495
Shuttle buses replace Franklin Line service between Franklin and Forge Park/495


Saturday, May 2, 2020

Franklin, MA: Budget Subcommittee Meeting - May 4

Budget Subcommittee Meeting
Municipal Building
355 East Central Street, Room 205 (Second Floor) Franklin, MA
May 4, 2020 - 4:30 PM

Link to access the meeting: Click here then click “Open Zoom”
Call-In Phone Number: Call 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID: 938 246 4834 then press “#”



Agenda

1. FY21 Budget Update Discussion


------------------

DATE: April 22, 2020

TO: Town Council Budget Subcommittee 

FROM: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator 

RE: FY21 BUDGET UPDATE

Through Chairman Kelly, I am requesting a Budget Subcommittee of the Town Council on May 4th, 2020 at 4:30 PM, or at a time convenient for the members.

We must now refocus our attention to the FY21 Budget process and make some difficult decisions. The Finance Director and I have discussed our revenue assumptions. At this time, we are estimating at least a $3 million shortage in revenues than were assumed in the March 4th budget model discussed at the Town Council meeting.

The following are estimates and the data in a budget will be altered as new information becomes available. The following reductions in revenue estimates are as follows:

● The New Growth estimate will be reduced by $450,000;

● Local Receipts (excise tax, meals tax, licenses, permits, etc) will take approximately a 25% reduction, or $2.4 million; and

● At this point, State Aid is budgeted at $121,000 less than FY20. This is the Governor's Budget proposal released in late January. While the budget will be revised, it's the best data we have right now. We have no prospect for a FY21 budget to be completed by the state anytime earlier than Labor Day (is my best guess). The Town will likely need to come back again in the Fall or Winter to revise the budget based on state decisions.

There is still much work and discussion at the staff level that needs to happen over the next month. But, it would be a good time to gather the subcommittee to get on the same page as we continue to aim for a post-Memorial Day set of Finance Committee budget hearings on May 27, 28 and June 2, 4. I will provide a more in depth budget update memo and working budget model at your meeting for discussion.

The PDF of this doc can be found
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-05-04_budget_subcommittee_1.pdf

Supporting Documents
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/05-04-2020_budget_subcommittee_meeting_supplemental_documents.pdf
 
 
 
Franklin, MA: Budget Subcommittee Meeting - May 4
Franklin, MA: Budget Subcommittee Meeting - May 4

 

Franklin Residents: May 2020 E-Newsletter


The Town of Franklin E-Newsletter for May 2020 can be found online
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/May-2020-E-Newsletter.html?soid=1134219428814&aid=PRWV3PVI6Cc

https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1256267508606173186
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1256267508606173186

@FranklinHS Message for the Class of 2020

"Tonight (Friday May 1), at 8:20 (20:20 military time), we send this message."





The lights at FHS on May 1 between 8:00 and 8:20
The lights at FHS on May 1 between 8:00 and 8:20

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #17

CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 UPDATE #17

Friday, May 1, 2020

Hi friends,

It's been another week in the pandemic period. I know this isn't getting any easier as time goes on, especially as closure orders get extended and we still don't have a good handle on this virus, but the sun is shining and testing capacity is increasing and we're getting better at using video conferencing tools and I hope everyone is getting as many extra hugs as possible. We're also starting to see the beginnings of a forward-looking plan to reopen, slowly and safely, and I've been hard at work with my colleagues to get a plan in place for virtual town meetings.

My team and I have been sending these COVID-19 updates twice a week for some time now. We'll shift to once-weekly Wednesday updates next week, so we can increase our individualized constituent work. If you need anything in the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help! For real-time updates, please follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

A few updates from my office on the COVID-19 outbreak and your government's response:
  • Please wear a facemask! Following the leadership of a number of cities and towns, including many in our district, Governor Baker issued an order requiring face masks to be worn in all public spaces -- both indoor and outdoor -- where adequate social distancing cannot be achieved (like on the sidewalk in densely populated areas!). The order allows businesses to refuse service to anyone not wearing a mask, and includes a possible $300 fine for noncompliance. I encourage you to wear a facemask as much as possible outside your home; this is a critical step to protecting ourselves and our neighbors, reducing coronavirus transmission, and helping our communities open up sooner.
  • Do not forego necessary emergency care: Massachusetts hospitals have noticed a severe drop in emergency care for conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and more. Delaying emergency care due to COVID-19 can be deadly, and Boston-area hospitals are still encouraging individuals to go to the emergency room if necessary.
  • Child care is still closed through the end of June: Amid conversations of reopening non-essential businesses, I've been advocating for our early education centers and teachers. We can't reopen anything without child care, period. If you're an early educator, a child care center administrator, or a parent or caregiver and you have a story to tell or information to share relevant to this advocacy, I want to hear from you. Please email me at becca.rausch@masenate.gov with "CHILD CARE ADVOCACY" in the subject line.

As always, my team and I are here for you. Call us at 617-722-1555 or email me directly at becca.rausch@masenate.gov and one of us will get back to you as quickly as we can.


Be well and stay safe.


Yours in service,
Senator Becca Rausch


The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To review the full set of contents
https://mailchi.mp/e878563e239d/covid19-update-12325126?e=0c2c9810fe

https://mailchi.mp/e878563e239d/covid19-update-12325126
https://mailchi.mp/e878563e239d/covid19-update-12325126

Gov Baker's executive order has extended Franklin's BoH facial covering mandate

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Gov. Charlie Baker signed an executive order on Friday requiring members of the public to wear a face covering while in public when people cannot physical distance from others.

The order goes into place on Wednesday, May 6 and does not apply to children under the age of 2.

The requirement applies to all workers and customers of businesses and other organizations that are open to the public.

Gov. Baker said face coverings are an easy, critically important and essential step to stop or slow the spread of the coronavirus.

“The public is required to wear a face covering at all times in grocery stores, retail stores or on public transportation,” Baker said."
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200501/baker-signs-order-requiring-face-coverings-while-in-public

If you were watching the live update on Friday, you'll recall that the feed was lost during the broadcast.  There apparently is no video replay available at this time. The archive of prior updates for replay can be found 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfzuvKpMoFEDd597ZSHxMmvkzR3XCgVSg


The Press Release
https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-orders-use-of-mask-or-face-covering-in-public-announces-increased

The Tweet
https://twitter.com/MassGovernor/status/1256291755865104384

The Executive Order
https://www.mass.gov/doc/may-1-2020-masks-and-face-coverings/download



https://twitter.com/MassGovernor/status/1256291755865104384/photo/1
https://twitter.com/MassGovernor/status/1256291755865104384/photo/1

Panther News Special Edition: May 1, 2020


Produced by Franklin High School's TV Production Program

https://youtu.be/od5ZAN9U-7o



https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1256199418220630016?s=09

COVID-19 ruined my travel plans. Now what?





Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission
by Namukolo Kasumpa, International Fellow, Division of Consumer & Business Education

If COVID-19 canceled your travel plans, you are likely disappointed and wondering about refunds, credits, or vouchers for plane tickets, cruise bookings, tours, and more. 
Even if your scheduled travel is months away, you might be weighing your options. And many travel service providers seem to be working to address concerns about upcoming trips.

Read more 
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/05/covid-19-ruined-my-travel-plans-now-what 

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.




“We’re losing revenue, but everyone is in the same boat”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

The owners of Bruno’s Barber Shop on Pond Street in Natick feel fortunate.

The family-owned business that has existed for 60 years has a loyal clientele, and it tapped that group to sell enough gift cards online to pay the rent for May and June.

That’s a relief for Antonia Stockley, part of the family who owns Bruno’s, because the shop hasn’t had customers for weeks.

Lost revenue is a fact of life during COVID-19, but Stockley said she has no problem with the governor’s decision.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200501/for-some-non-essential-merchants-two-week-extension-on-closures-creates-more-angst

sign on the window at Pete's Emporium on Main St
sign on the window at Pete's Emporium on Main St
 

Friday, May 1, 2020

FM #257 Dale Kurtz, Veterans Services Officer 4/27/20 (audio)

FM #257 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 257 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin's Veterans Services Officer, Dale Kurtz. We held this conversation via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Among the topics we covered in this time
  • Assisting veterans with their benefits and programs at Federal, State and local level. Pension, VA benefits
  • Norfolk County RSVP Rides for Veterans - could use volunteers
  • Veterans Coffee Hour - going virtual after running for a year, now goes virtual in these pandemic times; May 6, 11:00 AM (bring your own coffee!)
  • No Memorial Day breakfast, can’t be held during this time, hopefully to be rescheduled for some time later
  • Memorial Day itself, no parade, ceremony smaller and virtual to acknowledge those who did pass with honor
  • Food boxes still available for distribution - register with Dale

The recording runs approx. 30 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Dale Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H6g9h147



--------------

Veterans’ Service page https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services

COVID-19 Information Portal https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/coronavirus-information-portal
 
Veterans Walkway Brick order form https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/files/engraved-brick-order-form

Or via the VFW page https://post3402.org/documents

Dale’s contact information:

Dale Kurtz
Veterans Service Officer
Towns of Avon and Franklin
10 Daniel McCahill Street
Franklin, MA 02038
508-613-1315 (O)
508-520-4917 (F)

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?
  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
  • If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

The Franklin Senior Center at night
The Franklin Senior Center at night

FM #256 Board of Health Meeting 4/27/20 (audio)

FM #256 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 256 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares the Board of Health Meeting held April 27, 2020 via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The show notes provide links to the agenda, my notes taken during the meeting, and the resulting Emergency Order which was approved during the meeting and then published the next day.

The recording runs about 55 minutes, so let’s listen to the Board of Health Meeting held April 27  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HXmf1Q47




--------------

My meeting notes
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/board-of-health-approves-mandate-for.html

The text of the Emergency Order
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/emergency-order-face-covering-over.html

The agenda doc for this meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/franklin-ma-board-of-health-agenda.html


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?
  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
  • If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #256 Board of Health Meeting 4/27/20 (audio)
FM #256 Board of Health Meeting 4/27/20 (audio)

Jamie Barrett: Listen To The Music (video)

Listen To The Music right here https://youtu.be/fTdofC_37m8
If you like what you hear, please consider sharing this video and subscribing to my YouTube channel! It would really be so appreciated!
Trying to get to 1000 subscribers (just shy of 800) so I can provide everyone with better quality videos! Thank you SO much for your support and for your consideration!
Let the music play ...

Jamie



Jefferson Labradors #TBT slide show



It's Throwback Thursday! Check out the TBT Jefferson Staff slideshow! https://t.co/jJlNSpQwsJ
Can you identify your favorite teachers as little kids??

YouTube Link = https://youtu.be/2rtw7G_aYO0




Shared via Twitter
(https://twitter.com/JeffersonLabs/status/1255920456957337601?s=03)