In the News: casino operations shutting down in response to COVID-19

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:

"The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has voted to shut down operations at the state’s casinos in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in the state.

An expeditious and orderly shutdown process is underway at Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, MGM Springfield and Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville.

Commissioners voted unanimously to temporarily suspend operations at the three casinos. The commission anticipates that the gaming floor at the casinos will close to patrons at 5:59 a.m. Sunday.

The decision will be reevaluated in two weeks, according to the gaming commission."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200314/mass-gaming-commission-votes-to-shut-down-casino-operations-in-response-to-covid-19

Census Bureau News: Women’s Earnings by Occupation From the 2018 American Community Survey

In honor of Women's History Month, the U.S. Census Bureau today released a graphic showing median earnings of women in certain occupations from the 2018 American Community Survey. 

The occupation table shows the percentage of women in select occupations and the earnings of full-time, year-round female workers in 2018. It compares earnings to those of men in the same occupations.

The Census Bureau collects data on industry, occupation and class of worker for the labor force.

Shared from
https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2020/acs-womens-earnings.html

The occupation table shows the percentage of women in select occupations and the earnings of full-time, year-round female workers in 2018

Tax Time Guide: Guard personal, financial and tax information year-round

The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers to remain vigilant with their personal information by securing computers and mobile phones. Proper cybersecurity protection and scam recognition can reduce the threat of identity theft inside and outside the tax system.

This news release is part of a series called the Tax Time Guide, a resource to help taxpayers file an accurate tax return:  https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-time-guide

Additional help is available in Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax:  https://www.irs.gov/publications/p17

The IRS doesn’t initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information. People should be alert to scammers posing as the IRS to steal personal information. There are ways to know if it’s really the IRS calling or knocking on someone’s door.

The IRS also works with the Security Summit, a partnership with state tax agencies and the private-sector tax industry, to help protect taxpayer information and defend against identity theft. Taxpayers and tax professionals can take steps to help in this effort.

Below are a few tips to help minimize exposure to fraud and identity theft:

• Protect personal information. Treat personal information like cash – don’t hand it out to just anyone. Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, bank and even utility account numbers can be used to help steal a person’s money or open new accounts.
• Avoid phishing scams. The easiest way for criminals to steal sensitive data is simply to ask for it. IRS urges people to learn to recognize phishing emails, calls or texts that pose as familiar organizations such as banks, credit card companies or even the IRS. Keep sensitive data safe and:

• Be aware that an unsolicited email with a request to download an attachment or click on a URL could appear to come from someone that you know like a friend, work colleague or tax professional if their email has been spoofed or compromised.
• Don’t assume internet advertisements, pop-up ads or emails are from reputable companies. If an ad or offer looks too good to be true, take a moment to check out the company behind it.
• Never download “security” software from a pop-up ad. A pervasive ploy is a pop-up ad that indicates it has detected a virus on the computer. Don’t fall for it. The download most likely will install some type of malware. Reputable security software companies do not advertise in this manner.

• Safeguard personal data. Provide a Social Security number, for example, only when necessary. Only offer personal information or conduct financial transactions on sites that have been verified as reputable, encrypted websites.
• Use strong passwords. The longer the password, the tougher it is to crack. Use at least 10 characters; 12 is ideal for most home users. Mix letters, numbers and special characters. Try to be unpredictable – don’t use names, birthdates or common words. Don’t use the same password for many accounts and avoid sharing them. Keep passwords in a secure place or use password management software.

Set password and encryption protections for wireless networks. If a home or business Wi-Fi is unsecured, it allows any computer within range to access the wireless network and potentially steal information from connected devices. Whenever it is an option for a password-protected account, users also should opt for a multi-factor authentication process.

• Use security software. An anti-virus program should provide protection from viruses, Trojans, spyware and adware. The IRS urges people, especially tax professionals, to use an anti-virus program and always keep it up to date.
• Set security software to update automatically so it can be updated as threats emerge. Educate children and those with less online experience about the threats of opening suspicious web pages, emails or documents.

Back up files. No system is completely secure. Copy important files, including federal and state tax returns, onto removable discs or back-up drives and cloud storage. Store discs, drives and any paper copies in secure, locked locations.

ID Theft Central. New on IRS.gov. Designed to improve online access to information on identity theft. Serves taxpayers, tax professionals and businesses.

Taxpayers can find answers to questions, forms and instructions and easy-to-use tools online at IRS.gov. They can use these resources to get help when it’s needed at home, at work or on the go.

Shared from the IRS page
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-time-guide-guard-personal-financial-and-tax-information-year-round 

Tax Time Guide: Guard personal, financial and tax information year-round

Town Council meeting Feb 12, 2020 - recap

Quick summary:

• Plastic bag prohibition finally approved
• Zoning changes to reduce solar farms introduced
• Zoning changes on continuation of plot line clean up first hearing
• Transitional assistance and homelessness discussed
• Municipal aggregation deal announced (effective Nov 1, 2020)
• First discussion on 'civil discourse pledge'

Audio segment on municipal aggregation  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HVJSJ7GX

Audio segment on 'civil discourse pledge' https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hy6gCj6X

Audio segment on Transitional assistance and homelessness
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HcdPW36X

Transitional Assistance from Franklin Matters

Additional details can be found in my notes recorded live during the meeting

Live reporting: Town Administrator's Report through Closing

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-town-administrators_12.html

Live reporting: Legislation for Action

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-legislation-for-action_12.html

Live reporting: Housing and Transitional Assistance

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-housing-and-transitional.html

Live reporting: Town Council - Feb 12, 2020

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-town-council-feb-12-2020.html

Town Council Chair Tom Mercer with proclamation recognizing the FHS student for their work on the plastic bag prohibition

Town Council meeting of Feb 5, 2020 - Recap

Quick summary:

• Randy LaRosa appointed to Historical Commission
• beer/wine license approved for Maks
• Community Preservation Act presentation and discussion
• first pass at the capital budget was approved

Community Preservation Act Adoption 20200130 from Franklin Matters

Audio segment - Community Preservation Act (Audio)
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/fm-203-community-preservation-act-feb-5.html

My notes reported live during the meeting

• Live reporting: Town Administrator's Report to Closing

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-town-administrators.html

• Live reporting: Legislation for Action

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

• Live reporting: License transaction - Norfolk County Sheriff - CPA

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-license-transaction.html

• Live reporting: Town Council - Feb 5, 2020

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-town-council-feb-5-2020.html

Franklin Cultural Council: Town Wide Art Contest - week of March 16, 2020

The Franklin Cultural Council (FCC) is announcing a town-wide ONLINE ART CONTEST the week of March 16 geared towards elementary and middle school students! 

There will be two winners per day; one elementary school student and one middle school student. Prizes will be hand delivered to your mailbox!

• Monday, Make Art with Nature
• Tuesday, Create Art with Paint
• Wednesday, Create Art with Recycles
• Thursday, Create a Collage of your Pet
• Friday, Create Sculpture Art

Photo examples will be available at the beginning of each day! 

Photo of your child's artwork should be submitted on the "post of the day" on the Franklin Cultural Council Facebook page with their name (or alias) and grade. 

Find the "post of the day" at  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil/


One entry per student. 
Entries must be posted by 5pm each day.
Winners will be announced at 7pm each day!

Franklin Cultural Council: Town Wide Art Contest - week of March 16, 2020

Shared from the FCC Facebook posting
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil/posts/1105816116438881?

Franklin Food Pantry Will Be Open Next Week (March 17 - 20)

Important Update From The Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry will be open regular hours next week, March 17 - March 20. We will be open to our current neighbors and anyone who needs us including families who count on the breakfast and lunch options provided by the Franklin area schools. We will provide a prepackaged bag full of nonperishable items to help you through this time. You can visit us daily if needed. We will reopen on March 24 with our regular shopping hours and procedures.

How can you help?

We are so grateful to our community and have received many questions on how you can help us during these uncertain times. If you are able, the best way to support The Pantry is through a monetary donation. Monetary donations allow us to purchase the items we need at a cheaper price through the Greater Boston Food Bank. If you are interested in donating items, please visit our current needs list. https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/donate-food/current-needs-list/

Please check back regularly as we update frequently. Thank you for your continued support of the Franklin Food Pantry.

Please stay safe and reach out if we can help in any way: 508-528-3115

Thank you! 

 

Franklin Food Pantry Will Be Open Next Week (March 17 - 20)

To Attendees and Volunteers: Music4Kids Benefit Concert 2020 - COVID-19 Precautions

Please be advised that in the interest of public safety, and according to recommendations from the CDC and the Governor's Office regarding COVID-19, we have decided to postpone the Sugar Ray and Mike Welch, Veronica Lewis, Nolan Leite Experience benefit concert.  

We will honor all tickets purchased for the new concert date.  We will be in touch as soon as we have the new date confirmed. 

For information about  the COVID-19 recommended precautions, please visit the following links:

https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19  

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html  

Thank you for your understanding.  We look forward to seeing you at the show!

Warmest regards, 

--

Joshua Silver

Joshua Silver

Founder and  CEO

Music4Kids Inc

412 Gatehouse Lane, Franklin, MA 02038

(508) 381-9052

outreach@music4kids.org

www.music4kids.org

Music4Kids Inc

Franklin Public Library Closure for coronavirus (COVID-19)

Franklin Public Library Closure

Due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak, the Franklin Public Library will be closed to all patrons indefinitely, until further notice. 

The staff will be required to work a full schedule and will continue to operate business via online services and will be available by phone during modified business hours at 508-520-4941. Modified business hours will be 9AM to 5PM Monday through Saturday where staff will be available by phone. 

All programs at the Library, including the Book Sale, are cancelled for this duration. Any late fines will be waived through at least March 27th. Items that are checked out will have their due date extended to April 30th. 

The Library's book return will remain open twenty-four hours a day. No book or media donations will be accepted until further notice.


If you currently have items on the holdshelf, the Library will offer "curbside pickup". 

Please drive to the Library parking lot or 5 minute parking spots, call the Library with your name and Library card number ready, and a staff person will check out your items and bring them to your car. This service is available during the modified business hours of Monday through Saturday, 9AM to 5PM.

Franklin Public Library Closure for coronavirus (COVID-19)

Franklin Public Schools: School Closure Update - Notification and Information

March 13, 2020

Dear Franklin Families,


This letter serves as a follow up to the Town of Franklin Coronavirus Update Letter shared earlier today. Franklin Public Schools, beginning today, Friday, March 13, 2020, are closed for two weeks (through March 27, 2020), planning to resume operations March 30th. We will have to make up 5 days for the year. Our last day of school is now planned for June 24, 2020.

The purpose of this closure is preventative and is to provide social distancing within the school community, as this practice has been promoted as a way to curb the spread of the virus. It is not a direct reaction to a specific situation or individual; the Board of Health reports there are no confirmed cases impacting us at this time.

School events are also cancelled and may be postponed. This includes the Leap into Kindergarten (3/17), Incoming 9th Grade Special Education Transition Night (3/18), and Parent/Guardian Homework Information Evening (3/18). MCAS testing at FHS for sophomores will be postponed (3/24 and 3/25). The School Committee meeting/budget hearing is scheduled to continue (3/24).

We know that school plays an important role in the daily life of children. The routine of school, in particular, is a comfort during times of stress. We are keenly aware of this and have been actively planning to support both families and students and to maintain some structure and connection. 

This includes:
● Developmentally appropriate resources for the continuity of learning and “keeping the learning alive”
● Continuation of breakfast and lunch for Franklin children
● Counseling supports
● Rescheduled dates of selected activities and events (e.g. SATs, MCAS, parent/guardian information evenings) 

We will address the details of these and other matters in future communications.

We anticipate that your child may need items left at school such as instruments, books, Chromebooks, and personal items. Your child’s school will soon communicate specific days and times.

This is an anxiety-producing time for all. The following resources may assist you in answering questions and facilitating conversations with your children:

• How to Talk to Children about the Coronavirus

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-to-talk-to-children-about-the-coronavirus-2020030719111

• Talking to Kids about Covid-19 

https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-%28coronavirus%29-a-parent-resource
 

• Talking to Teen/Tweens about Coronavirus

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/02/well/family/coronavirus-teenagers-anxiety.html

• Coronavirus: Latest Updates and Tips

https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/coronavirus-latest-updates?utm_source=Understood+for+All&utm_campaign=87b667c2b5-02192020_familiesNL_highengagement_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_45fc52ce3d-87b667c2b5-337092907


We know there are many remaining questions. We aim to address these in the coming days and we appreciate your patience as we navigate this unchartered territory together as a community.

Sincerely,
Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: School Closure Update - Notification and Information

The School message is also delivered in multiple languages
https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/pages/messages-superintendent-regarding-coronavirus
 

THE BLACK BOX: Legally Blonde Performances Postponed

To the FPAC Community and patrons of THE BLACK BOX,

Due to the evolving situation with the Coronavirus outbreak, the Franklin Performing Arts Company will postpone our production of Legally Blonde scheduled this weekend and next. We look forward to presenting the show for six performances this spring and tickets purchased in advance will be honored at that time. The box office will communicate first with current ticket holders when our new dates are announced.

A production the magnitude of Legally Blonde – with New York guest artist contracts, William Berloni's Theatrical Animals, original Broadway choreography and professional orchestra, as well as the expenses of sets, props and costumes, rights, royalties and creative team, is an enormous financial undertaking. We are facing a frightening burden with the theater closed even for a short period of time. 

This would be a great time to help our company and show your support for THE BLACK BOX with a one-time donation or membership in an FPAC Annual Circle. We need your help now in order to be in a healthy position to reopen when safe to do so. You might also consider donating to FPAC your current Legally Blonde ticket purchases and then repurchase when the box office opens for our new dates.

The FPAC Board of Directors, Creatives, and Artists realize how the arts provide an important opportunity to gather, share, and be inspired in challenging times. We look forward to seeing you at THE BLACK BOX as soon as it is possible! We thank you for your understanding and hope for your support.

Support page for FPAC
https://www.fpaconline.com/pages.php?pname=fpac_support_us

THE BLACK BOX: Legally Blonde Performances Postponed

Hockomock YMCA: Health Preparedness Update (COVID-19)

MEMBER UPDATE HEALTH PREPAREDNESS AT OUR Y  Dear Franklin, As a follow-up to our communication on Wednesday, our YMCA continues to closely monitor the current public health updates regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. The CDC and our local boards of health continue to advise businesses and institutions that taking steps to slow the spread of the Coronavirus will contribute to the public health response to the outbreak.    Updates: We are promoting social distancing: Following the strong recommendations from the CDC and state and local agencies we are putting social distancing protocols in place in our fitness centers with select fitness equipment.  Limited group exercise attendance: Group fitness classes will be limited to 20 per class. Group cycle classes will be limited to 10 per class. You may reserve your spot in class 24 hours in advance by calling your branch's Member Service Desk.  Our Prescription for a Healthy Lifestyle programs such as LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, MS Wellness and Diabetes Prevention Program will be postponed until further notice. Pool or party rental reservations will be suspended until further notice. All Y events with 100 people or more will be cancelled or re-scheduled until further notice. Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting continues to be our focus every day to protect the health and safety of our community. Program and classes are running as scheduled. This is a fast-moving situation and one that we continue to assess daily. We pledge to share information with members and staff as information and decisions are made. Facility signage has increased throughout our facilities and program areas, encouraging people to wash hands, clean equipment and not enter our facilities if experiencing respiratory or flu like symptoms. Branch access is limited: Until further notice no guest passes will be sold. For further information, we encourage you to visit the following websites: Center for Disease Control & Prevention Mass.gov State Information YMCA Health Preparedness We continue to monitor this rapidly evolving health crisis and will continue to update you as more information, resources or guidance becomes available. We appreciate everyone's support as we strive to protect the health & safety of our YMCA community and work together in the days ahead. Sincerely, Ed Hurley President HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA ed@hockymca.org 508-643-5230 hockymca.org HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA | Foxboro, Franklin, North Attleboro, Mansfield, MA

Tom Paxton Concert Cancellation & COVID-19 Update

TOM PAXTON CONCERT CANCELLATION & COVID-19 UPDATE

For the health and safety of our audience, performers and volunteers, the scheduled performance by Tom Paxton and The Don Juans on Friday, March 20 has been cancelled. We and the performers share the concerns that many of you have in this very uncertain time, and we are taking all reasonable precautions to help stem the tide of this virus. We regret having to make this decision, but the health and safety of all of you, our supporters, takes precedence over all other considerations. Ticket refunds will be issued today or tomorrow for all tickets already purchased.

It is likely that Tom Paxton & The Don Juans will be rescheduled for this coming September. We will let everyone know as soon as a decision is made.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic is still unfolding, we can't predict what will happen with other future concerts. We very much appreciate your support of our concert series, and will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed of any future changes. We wish everyone good health.

OTHER SHOWS IN THE 2019-2020 SEASON

AT OCC COFFEEHOUSE: Tickets are now available for all shows on the website. All shows are general admission seating, so arrive early for good seats.

** Saturday, April 25, 2020, Aztec Two-Step 2.0, featuring Rex Fowler, Dodie Pettit & Friends. Now that Neal Shulman has retired, Rex continues on, recapturing the sound of the duo's original studio recordings.

** Sunday, May 24, 2020, Ted Vigil, John Denver Tribute. Ted is an award-winning singer, songwriter and tribute artist. He performs internationally, and wows the crowd, selling out theatres everywhere. A typical comment is "I can't believe how much he looks and sounds like John Dever."

Tom Paxton Concert Cancellation & COVID-19 Update

"doing their best to make Franklin a place worth living"

Alan Earls writes about Tom McDermott of of the former Clark, Cutler, & McDermott company.

"Last summer, a long-time Franklin resident Tom McDermott, passed away.

Aside from an obituary posted online and in the newspaper, there was scarcely a stir. But there should have been.

For more than a century, Tom and his family – his grandfather, father and his sons – ran Clark, Cutler & McDermott in Franklin in the gritty and unglamorous non-woven (e.g. felt) textile industry. From the company’s first products back in 1911 -- horse blankets -- to the recent past when sudden business reversals led the company to seek bankruptcy protection, and when its products had become part of a global supply chain in the automotive industry, the company was innovative and feisty. It survived and prospered despite global competition, the high cost of doing business in Massachusetts, and changing markets.

Above all, though, CCMcD was all about Franklin."

Continue reading the article online
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20200313/guest-speaker-paying-tribute-to-tom-mcdermott

"proposed new zone called Mixed Business Innovation (MBI)"

Coronavirus Information Portal - multiple updates

Letter from Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen and the Superintendent of Schools, Sara Ahern regarding Coronavirus
https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/files/memo-ta-superintendent

* Residents please be informed that the over 1.3 Million square feet of municipal facilities (ie. Schools, Town Hall Building, etc.) are being sprayed every weekend with commercial grade disinfectant to help mitigate the spread of germs. This practice will continue for the foreseeable future.

The Town of Franklin is keeping up to date with the latest information related to the novel Coronavirus as it becomes available. This site will be updated regularly with information from State and Federal agencies. Please check back frequently.

The Town of Franklin will be cleaning and sanitizing all public buildings every weekend. There are many things you can do to prevent the transmission of COVID - 19 and other of viruses. Please follow the tips found here:

1. Keep a distance of 6 feet from people, especially individuals who are showing signs and symptoms of upper respiratory infection
2. Keep a small bottle of alcohol based (60%) hand sanitizer for travel. Rub over entire hands until hands are dry.
3. Wash hands with warm or hot water and soap for 20 seconds.
4. Try as hard as possible to not touch eyes, ears, nose, mouth, especially if you one has not washed hands recently.
5. Sneeze or cough into a tissue, discard tissue and wash hands thoroughly.

The following links provide up-to-date information regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Massachusetts Department of Public Health
https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

Center for Disease Control (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Frequently Asked Questions
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html



Best Practices for Prevention and Treatment 
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html

Steps to prevent illness
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html

Messages from Superintendent Dr. Sara Ahern (March 8th, Feb 28th)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/pages/messages-superintendent-regarding-coronavirus


Franklin Police Response to COVID-19 (March 13, 2020)
https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/2020-franklin-police-response-covid-19

Senior Center/Council on Aging COVID1-19 update (March 10, 2020)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/cvupdate.pdf

How to clean your smartphone (and other computer hardware)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/educational-technology/files/how-clean-your-smartphone-and-other-computer-hardware

Please follow this link for information from Monica Bharel MD MPH, Commissioner of the Department of Health: https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/pages/corona-virus-information

 

Coronavirus Information Portal

Updates on coronavirus (COVID-19) from Senior Center, Franklin Police, Representative Roy, and Senator Spilka

• Senior Center Cancellation of Events and Activities

"As older adults and those with chronic medical conditions are the most vulnerable population with regard to the COVlD-19 outbreak, we will be cancelling most of our events and activities to reduce the risk of infection at the Franklin Senior Center for the next two weeks and possibly longer should conditions warrant. Our goal is to take all possible measures to prevent illness in older adults who attend the Senior Center, while maintaining activities that do not put participants at risk for exposure."

Read the full text including what services will still be offered mostly via appoint or phone  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/alerts/scclosing.pdf

• Franklin Police

Dear Residents, Businesses, and Visitors to the Town of Franklin,

As Chief of Police I have enacted several new policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While many of these are internal and deal with how officers will continue to work and provide public safety, there are a few which the public should be aware of. These are effective immediately and will continue until further notice.

Effective March 10, 2020, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has declared a state of emergency and has urged other agencies to take action to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. As a police department, it is impossible for our employees to cut off all contact with the public, and because our role in the community is so vital, we must respond to this situation with some changes. In response to the state of emergency, and to protect the members of the Department and the public, the Franklin Police Department will implement the following changes until further notice.

Read the full text including what protocols were changed
https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/2020-franklin-police-response-covid-19

• Representative Roy

I know there are many concerns about the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and I appreciate all of the calls and messages I have received over the last few days. New information is coming out regularly so please check the special state website for latest updates at https://www.mass.gov/covid19. In the meantime, here is the latest info I have:

Read the full text from Rep Roy
https://mailchi.mp/8562866a70a2/ux2l17im8a-2477749

• Senate President Karen Spilka

Greetings,

I am writing to you to provide information and resources about coronavirus and COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, in Massachusetts. This is a rapidly-evolving situation, and I know that there is a level of uncertainty in our communities. I can assure you, however, that I am working closely with state and local leaders to take steps to address the public health, economic and civic impacts of this pandemic.

I have added a page to my website, Coronavirus Updates, that I will keep updated with the latest information. Please feel free to bookmark it and check it often for the latest updates and guidance.

Senator Spilka's update page
https://karenspilka.com/updates/2020/3/13/covid-19-updates

• The joint memo from Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and School Superintendent Sara Ahern

Based on the evolving conditions associated with the COVID-19 outbreak occurring throughout the state, in consultation with the Franklin Board of Health, town emergency management officials, we have made the decision to close the Franklin Public Schools and most town buildings, beginning today, Friday, March 13, 2020. As the situation remains fluid, we anticipate remaining closed for approximately two weeks (through March 27, 2020) resuming operations March 30th where the Town will resume business; however, this may change based on direction from state and local health officials as more information becomes available.

We realize this decision has a significant impact and far-reaching ramifications for our community and understand the disruption and uncertainty that is created for everyone. However, we believe these steps are necessary given the current realities. We encourage all families to take a step back, please follow best hygiene and prevention practices as instructed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and to be patient. We do not make this decision lightly, but making decisions to help prevent transmission of the virus is paramount.

We encourage every Franklin resident, business and visitor to follow the latest guidance from local authorities on our Coronavirus Information Portal here on the Franklin homepage. More information on each departments level of service will continue to be updated here:

https://www.franklinma.gov/

Continue reading the full text of the joint memo
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/coronavirus-update-town-administrator-jamie-hellen-and-superintendent-schools-sara-ahern

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal