“Senior isolation is always an issue, especially in the winter time”

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

"Senior citizens and their advocates have long struggled to tackle seclusion and loneliness in a portion of the population – particularly those less fortunate than Foley, without close family or the ability to drive.

To see her grandchildren, 79-year-old Hopedale resident Phyllis Foley arms herself with disinfecting wipes, drives a few minutes up the street, and heads into her daughter’s garden.

While she does a little weeding, her grandchildren come out of the house and sit several feet away.

“I think I’ve got a pretty good sense of what to do, because I had to do it for many years,” the former Navy nurse and visiting nurse said, adding that she wipes down every door handle, gives people a wide berth, and rarely leaves her apartment."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200404/metrowest-greater-milford-seniors-battle-extreme-isolation-during-pandemic

From a soon to be available interview with Karen Alves, Director of the Franklin Senior Center, the Center offers a weekly reassurance call for those who would like to receive one. Please call the Center at 508 520-4945 and leave a message. They will follow up to confirm the details and set up the weekly call.

“Senior isolation is always an issue, especially in the winter time”

Small businesses: Where to go for financial relief information

Small businesses: Where to go for financial relief information by Lesley Fair, Attorney, FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection If you own a small business or work for one, you've seen the headlines about financial relief that may be available to some companies through the Small Business Administration (SBA). But you've also heard about scammers who extract a grain of truth from the news and distort it in an effort to cheat small businesses.  Now more than ever it's critical for small businesses to go straight to the source for accurate information about what's happening at the SBA. And that source, of course, is the Small Business Administration's dedicated page, sba.gov/coronavirus. Read more  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/04/small-businesses-where-go-financial-relief-information  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Let's beat our 2010 Census response rate this time around

"Recently, you should have received a census form. The US Census determines both State & Federal funding based on the information collected! Be counted! The census is quick, easy, and important, and all of your answers are confidential. 

Visit http://my2020census.gov today!"

We are currently (as of April 3) at 55.8%  As of 3/31 we were at 49.3% so we increased by about 6% in a few days.

In 2010 we responded with a 79.9% rate. Let's get well into the 80% rate this year!

The 2020 Census rate response interactive pagehttps://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html

Let's beat our 2010 Census response rate this time around

 

Spend a few minutes with Marcus

Better late to this than not to have seen it. The ONE thing the pandemic has given us is time. The real question then comes back, if we let it, "how do we use this time?"

Marcus Buckingham, the strengths guy, speaker, author ... Someone I would put on my 'dream Board of Directors" posted this 14 minute video to Instagram. He did it, not his team, they are all distant now. As we are physically distant too. And we don't, shouldn't be, socially distant. We need each other to get through this.

Spend a few minutes with Marcus. He has a series of these. Don't catch up all at once. Gardening is not a binge action. Gardening takes time, you can not rush it.  https://www.instagram.com/tv/B99YyO9AkYJ/

View this post on Instagram

We all have a responsibility right now. To give and to give up. There are things in life we have to give up in order to contribute. We have to give up our going out, our eating out, our hugging and handshaking. And there are things that we can give. Yes, we can give money, food, excess toilet paper to our neighbors. And of course, your biggest gift: contributing the strongest and best parts of you. But if you don’t know what those are, and if the people around you don’t either, this ‘biggest gift’ is not possible. I’ve probably spent too many hours wishing I could sing or make songs like Chris Martin of Coldplay, or play piano like @JohnLegend. Or tell jokes like @TheEllenShow. But those are not my gifts to give. I’m just a researcher. One who loves to ask questions and write books. I AM clear, though, on where I am strong. And so, for the next, oh dear, however many weeks, I want to help you bring more love and more strength into your life. And if you do, then, as the data show, you will bring more strength into the lives of those you love: Your son, daughter, sister, mother, father, friend, and maybe your bullheaded yet brilliant, British mate. So, here is day one. I promise to give my best tomorrow to you. I see you. I love you.

A post shared by Marcus Buckingham (@marcusbuckingham) on Mar 20, 2020 at 7:47am PDT

From my email from Marcus:

Hello. I hope the last 8 videos in the #iseeyouiloveyou series have been useful in your life and the lives of those you love.

I’ve linked each below in case you missed any of them:

• DAY ONE: Where are you strong?
• DAY TWO: The SIGN Interview – find a few people to do this with and let me know what you find.
• DAY THREE: Questions you may have never asked your mother. Or your lover. Or your friend. (Listen in to a conversation I have with my Mum in London!)
• DAY FOUR: “Does it Matter If....?” is one of the most powerful questions to really discover someone.
• DAY FIVE: Resilience: The 2 Sources of Control ~ Discover 2 powerful questions to help you and others take back control.
• DAY SIX: Learn 3 powerful techniques to get people to reveal themselves
• DAY SEVEN: What space are you making for others? (a must-see for PARENTS + TEACHERS!)
• DAY EIGHT: Your #StrongLifeTeam – Your source of Strength: Monday – Friday of this week! 

I hope you join me this week for #StrongLifeTeam - Together we will build something for you that you will be able to lean into for a lifetime.

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_banners/53504913/1555960570/1500x500

Two too good not to share!

1 - "Happy birthday Will! We love to bring a smile!"

Happy birthday Will! We love to bring a smile! Hey @johnkrasinski and @somegoodnews here is #SomeGoodNews ! https://t.co/70nZCAMgfG

— Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) April 3, 2020

Also found in the Milford Daily News:
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200403/video-franklin-boy-serenaded-by-police-on-his-12th-birthday

Twitter video screengrab

2 - Kathy Pennell reads "Brown Bear, Brown Bear ..."

View the story video on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/kathy.pennell.10/videos/10222192179696410/ 

Facebook screengrab image

 

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #9

CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 UPDATE #9

Friday, April 3, 2020

Hi friends,

I hope you are staying well and practicing extensive social distancing.

Great news - the municipalities bill that I've been shepherding through the legislative process is now passed and signed into law! (Here's the final language.) The bill does a whole bunch of important things to ensure our local and regional governments keep functioning and providing services to Bay Staters:

1. creates significant budget flexibility, particularly important for towns that can't have Town Meeting right now to pass a Fiscal Year 2021 budget;
2. extends the time frame for holding Town Meetings;
3. grants extensions for permits, hearings, and other deadlines, including a temporary lift on any constructive approvals;
4. allows municipalities to extend the deadline for property taxes and waive penalties on any late payments of taxes or fees; and
5. contains an important equity provision that prohibits the termination of any essential municipal service – including water, sewer, and trash collection – for a resident who is unable to pay local taxes or fees. In this uncertain time of job loss and insecurity, the last thing our government should do is prevent vulnerable residents from washing their hands.

By the way, this bill also carried the income tax extension from April to July, and lets everyone order beer and wine as part of your takeout order from local restaurants! A great way to continue to help your local businesses stay afloat during these trying economic times.

In addition to my extensive and ongoing work as the Senate Chair of the Municipalities Committee, I've also been advocating for decarceration, a stay at home order (not an advisory), shutting down non-essential construction, medical privileges for clinicians licensed in other countries, robust protections for medical professionals and first responders who are fighting this thing on the front lines, and more. I'm hearing from constituents daily, and I am giving voice to our shared concerns and disappointment with the executive management of this crisis.

....

My team and I are all working overtime and 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.

Wishing you and your families strength, health, and resilience.

Yours in service,

Senator Becca Rausch

The newsletter was shorted for publication here, to view the full contents:
https://us20.campaign-archive.com/?u=09452b4d597ce95fe20563af4&id=71591a6e6a

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #9

Franklin Latter-day Saints Invite Town to Watch Worldwide Broadcast on Peace

In a time of such uncertainty, random acts of kindness and neighborly love has and continues to be shown in abundance around the globe. A worldwide pandemic, such as the one we are facing now in COVID-19, has a way of uniting people of all denominations, races and beliefs. It's as if we are all brothers and sisters in an expansive global family. It just takes something as drastic as our current conditions to realize it.

Members of the local congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Franklin would like to invite all to watch a global broadcast this weekend that aims to uplift, strengthen, and ultimately restore the sense of peace we all seek.

Saturday 12 PM, 4 PM, 8 PM
Sunday 12 PM, 4 PM

Broadcast Link:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/broadcasts?lang=eng

 

Franklin Latter-day Saints Invite Town to Watch Worldwide Broadcast on Peace

United Regional Chamber of Commerce on the COVID-19 Pandemic

The past three weeks have been nothing short of unbelievable and that adjective does not even seem adequate. The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly challenged us --- our leaders, businesses, workers and economy. The severity of the very fluid situation changed hourly, shifting to daily. In a short period of time, the way we learn, conduct business and live our lives were all disrupted.

This has and will continue to be a challenging time. Business leaders had to reinvent their entire business models with little to no notice. Leaders face unchartered territory, shifting regulation, difficult decisions, and the fear of maintaining the livelihood of their business and retaining the jobs for their employees with fewer customers. Thousands of workers, who are like family, have taken pay cuts or have lost their jobs altogether for an unknown amount of time.

However, amid this time of uncertainty and change, I have seen resiliency, adaptation, ingenuity, compassion and unity in its truest, most authentic form. Locals have rallied around efforts to support our local businesses and non-profit organizations. Manufacturers have shifted their production to retain their talented workforce, while filling a critical need of personal protective equipment for medical professionals on the front lines of fighting this epidemic. Retailers, arts/culture organizations, restaurants, gyms/fitness businesses have taken a hard pivot into the digital space – offering online ordering, Facebook live sales, DIY at-home projects, educational content, and more. 

Local, state, and federal lawmakers have worked to create bipartisan legislation to provide much needed aid for hardworking Americans and businesses of all size. I have seen neighbors serving neighbors –providing food for students in need, displaying teddy bears or hearts in their windows as a sign of hope, and going to the grocery store for the immunocompromised and elderly.

These examples are a mere sampling of the adaptation and kindness that has occurred, but they are indicative of our very nature --- the definition of who we are as Americans. From the Miracle of Hickory during the devastating polio epidemic, to the Great Recession, within more recent memory, our community time and time again has pulled together, hunkered down, and has emerged bruised, but not defeated. The COVID-19 economic disruption will be no different.

www.unitedregionalchamber.org

Our communities’ health and well-being are our top priority. Our neighbors’ lives are at risk and we cannot afford to overwhelm our healthcare infrastructure. Our government leaders have had to make some tough choices to flatten the curve. We must withstand these temporary setbacks, all while doing our part to protect our families, co-workers, and neighbors.

It continues to be an honor to serve in this role on your behalf every day. Regardless of the IRS definition, I believe that all businesses are “essential:”

• You make up our local economy, bringing personality to our cities and towns
• You create a place to belong, to connect, to celebrate. and to cultivate a new relationship
• You are the familiar face mixing up our favorite cocktail or the server who makes you smile by remembering your name
• You are the retailer who pays attention to every detail --- from your front window display to your thoughtfully selected merchandise
• You provide opportunity, a second chance, a means of supporting a family, and the hope and promise of a better future
• You make and sell products that improve the lives of humanity across our region, country and the globe
• You have sacrificed for incremental growth, have faced tough decisions, and have seen seasons of success and set back
• You are stylists, therapists, and self-care professionals who have mastered your craft to provide needed rest, healing, enhanced confidence, or even a listening ear, to your clients
• You give our communities vibrancy, energy, and attraction
• You are essential …. and we need you

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is your partner, sounding board, and advocate. We are in this with you.

Working for Business,

Jack Lank, IOM
President and CEO
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce
310 South Street
Plainville, MA 02762
Phone: 508-316-0861
www.unitedregionalchamber.org

Once Upon a Town: Depot Plaza - Franklin MA (video)

Join Eamon McCarthy Earls and Joe Landry to 

"Discover how the railroad and small businesses helped to create the Depot Plaza area by the downtown Franklin "Franklin Dean" train station"

Video link =  https://youtu.be/y48J4375SIc

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting, Thursday 4/2/20: Meeting Notes

Hello, everyone. Last night, Thursday April 2, we had an online Zoom meeting of our Greater Franklin node. Whether you were able to participate or not, we want to share with you our notes. 

We covered many topics including:

• Challenges and strategies for 350 Mass and other organizations --and their members -- to remain engaged and active during the current coronavirus crisis.
• Local, state-wide, and national issues and campaigns that we can all help promote through a variety of tools, such as contacting legislators and public agencies, signing petitions, and attending online webinars.
• Resources (articles, online materials) for learning more about these specific issues as well as climate concerns generally.

The overall message is that each of us can still take actions to promote the causes we care so much about. Our organization, 350 Mass, remains committed to stopping new fossil fuel infrastructure, building a clean energy economy, and creating a just transition that centers on economic and racial justice. We continue to partner with local, national and international organizations with similar goals. 

 

You can find the meeting notes here.  As you read them, you will see actions and links. Thank you for doing what you can. 
 

If you have difficulty with the online document or the links, reply to this email and we'll help you out.

 

We encourage you to join our meeting. For participants, this is more than a business meeting. It's a chance to socialize, to laugh, and to share stories and ideas for managing during this strange time. And dress is definitely informal. 

 

NEXT MEETING: THURSDAY, APRIL 16.  Look for the invitation earlier that week.

 

Be well.

 

Node co-coordinators,

Carolyn Barthel

508-473-3305 H

508-335-0848 C

 

Ralph Halpern

781-784-3839 H

339-203-5017 C

Meeting Notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hyP1StO7eEiX-tUMlgyj3EvqxKhj1W3IwMmOcj3eonw/edit?usp=sharing
 

The FTC keeps attacking robocalls

The FTC keeps attacking robocalls by Lois Greisman, Associate Director, Division of Marketing Practices, FTC Have you noticed lately that you're getting fewer robocalls? Yes, way too many calls are still coming, and we're fully engaged on that issue. But we're seeing some promising developments. Some recent FTC actions might just have something to do with that. Read more  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/04/ftc-keeps-attacking-robocalls  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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In the News: Domestic violence victims are now at home with abusers; Area workers struggle with unemployment

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

Domestic violence victims are now at home with abusers

"Voices Against Violence, a local organization working to end sexual and domestic violence, has new resources that could make it easier for people now forced to stay home with abusive partners to get help.

Because people might not be able to find a safe place within their homes to call the organization’s usual help lines without being monitored or overheard, Voices Against Violence has created a chat service that allows victims to communicate with domestic violence advocates by typing in an internet browser.

The chat service, which can be reached by typing rc.chat/voices into an internet browser, is monitored by staff between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. from Monday through Friday."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200403/domestic-violence-victims-are-now-at-home-with-abusers-these-local-resources-could-help

For more about Voices Against Violence, visit them on the web 
 https://www.smoc.org/voices-against-violence.php


Area workers struggle with unemployment

"MetroWest and Milford area residents are among the record-breaking 10 million Americans to file unemployment claims the past two weeks.

A record-breaking 10 million Americans have filed unemployment claims in the past two weeks, including 6.6 million last week alone, amid the coronavirus crisis.

Workers in the region have not been immune to the surge in layoffs and furloughs. A record 181,062 Massachusetts residents filed initial claims during the week ending March 28, about a 22% increase over the prior week, according to advance non-seasonally adjusted data the Department of Labor published Thursday.

That new level immediately breaks the record set just one week earlier. During the week ending March 21, 148,452 residents submitted initial claims, roughly 20 times as many as the 7,449 who submitted claims the week earlier."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200403/area-workers-struggle-with-unemployment-after-being-laid-off-during-coronavirus-outbreak

The mammoth US unemployment claims in their historical context. pic.twitter.com/UNDwhBMpZt

— Ben Riley-Smith (@benrileysmith) April 2, 2020

FM #235 URCC Jack Lank COVID-19 and small business 4/01/20 (audio)

FM #235 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 235 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jack Lank, President of the United Regional Chamber of Commerce. We had this conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Jack is in the middle of a number of things trying to help his business community as they navigate the restrictions and changing requirements of this pandemic. They have canceled their in person events and are shifting as much as they can to virtual events and the use of social media tools to help spread good information.

We talk about the reach of the current United Regional Chamber and some of their initiatives like: their Facebook page to “Rally ‘round the Restaurants”, a virtual ‘Alive After 5” networking event and a recharged Young Professionals Organization (YPO). YPO is something we’ll likely hear more of as it is a business networking group for the 20-30-40 something crowd.

This conversation runs about 22 minutes, so listen to my conversation with Jack and see what we can do to help local businesses during this time.

https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HckQRWn7





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Find the “Rally ‘round the Restaurants” page on Facebook and share your update for a restaurant
https://www.facebook.com/United-Regionals-Rally-round-the-Restaurants-109228560731634

Find the United Regional page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UnitedRegional/

Find the Young Professionals Organization (YPO) on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/UnitedRegionalYoungProfessionals/


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 “Rally ‘round the Restaurants” page on Facebook

MA Legislature Passes Bill to Provide Immediate Relief to Municipalities and Others During the Ongoing COVID-19 Crisis

Today (4/2/20), the House and Senate passed a bill to provide necessary relief to municipalities, taxpayers, restaurants, and state authorities impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and State of Emergency declaration.

The bipartisan legislation extends the state income tax filing deadline for residents; addresses disruptions in municipal tax collections and permitting; and allows licensed restaurants to sell certain alcoholic beverages with food take-out and delivery orders, among other provisions.

"I am heartened by the bipartisan and collaborative process that went into advancing this bill to help the hardworking people of Massachusetts," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Our cities and towns, restaurants and taxpayers need relief now more than ever, particularly as we continue to follow proper social distancing guidelines to curb the spread of COVID-19. I would like to thank my Senate colleagues, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, and my legislative partners in the House for their work on this critical piece of legislation."

“Our communities, our small businesses, and our residents live the disruptive and compounding effects of this rapidly evolving public health crisis daily, so the Legislature acted again today to provide some relief,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D – Winthrop). “By easing local permitting measures, extending the state’s tax deadline, and providing restaurants an opportunity to increase revenue, we are helping cities and towns, businesses, and individuals throughout the Commonwealth. Thank you to Chair Michlewitz and Chair O’Day and Senate President Spilka and our colleagues in the Senate for their partnership on these important issues.”

“Whether it’s protecting local communities’ ability to govern during a time of crisis or providing much needed relief to restaurants and taxpayers, we must do what we can to support those facing hardship during this unprecedented time,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “With tonight’s passage of this bill, the Legislature is collaboratively acting to meet this challenge and confront the urgent needs facing our Commonwealth related to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“By passing this relief package today, we are providing much needed administrative and economic relief for our small businesses, our cities and towns, and the taxpayers of the Commonwealth,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston). “I know I speak for all my colleagues in the Legislature when I say we are prepared to offer all the assistance we can as we tackle the day to day effects of COVID-19.”

“This legislation responds to a number of vitally important needs; it allows cities and towns across the Commonwealth to execute fundamental governance procedures including budgeting and permitting, it adds mechanisms to empower food and beverage providers to meet consumer needs, and it aligns our tax schedule with the federal extension,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R- Gloucester). “It is the product of bicameral and bipartisan collaboration fueled by our ardent efforts to support those impacted by this pandemic.”

“The municipal relief bill passed by the Legislature and now on the Governor’s desk contains many important provisions for our communities, our taxpayers, and our restaurants,” stated House Minority Leader Representative Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading). “It is another step, in what will be many, that we need to take to navigate the state through these extraordinary times.”

The major provisions of the bill are as follows:

Tax Deadline Extension. The bill provides immediate relief to taxpayers and extends the 2019 state individual income tax filing and payment deadline from April 15 to July 15 due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. The extension of the tax filing and payment deadline to July 15 is consistent with the federal government and provides additional flexibility to filers during this crisis.

Restaurant Service. The bill includes immediate economic relief to restaurants and other establishments that are licensed to sell alcohol for on-premises consumption to sell wine and beer with food takeout and delivery. This change would restore a crucial source of revenue to restaurants and other food establishments.

Municipal Governance. This legislation also immediately addresses several challenges affecting municipal functions and operations during the COVID-19 State of Emergency. The bill:

• Allows extensions for property tax exemption and deferrals from April 1 to June 1, 2020;
• Modifies the permitting process to ensure flexibility for applicants and status hearing processes;
• Allows annual town meeting to be delayed beyond June 30, 2020;
• Enables a town moderator or person designated as such to reschedule town meetings for up to 30 days, and to do so multiple times if needed;
• Permits municipalities to utilize retired employees and lifts pension-related hour restrictions for employees who return to work as it relates to COVID-19 response; and
• Prohibits essential services provided by the city or town from being terminated as a result of a missed or late payment.

The bill also makes several adjustments to the municipal budgeting process so that cities and towns can continue to meet their fiduciary responsibility and provide resources for their residents.

The bill, which is the latest action by the Legislature to address the COVID-19 public health crisis and its effects on Massachusetts, now heads to the Governor.

MA Legislature Passes Bill to Provide Immediate Relief to Municipalities and Others During the Ongoing COVID-19 Crisis

Once Upon a Town: Grocery Stores - Franklin MA

Eamon McCarthy Earls and Joe Landry talk about the days "Long before big box stores or the opening of the first supermarkets, Franklin residents turned to small grocery stores in downtown to get their food"

Video link = https://youtu.be/Mq1oQkglsZk

Jefferson Spirit Day - Slideshow (YouTube)

Jefferson Elementary School had their "spirit day" this week, and this video/slideshow shares the results  https://youtu.be/13Qdk_x1tHI