In the News: A week of orders from Gov. Baker

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

"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."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200329/week-of-orders-from-gov-baker

The listing of press releases on the Executive Orders released can be found online
https://www.mass.gov/lists/press-releases-related-to-covid-19

In the News: A week of orders from Gov. Baker

Inspector General Warns About New Social Security Benefit Suspension Scam

"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."

Continue reading this warning about social security benefits scams 
https://blog.ssa.gov/inspector-general-warns-about-new-social-security-benefit-suspension-scam/#more-4667

 

MassBudget’s Week-in-Review: COVID-19 Response

"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

Read about the 'rainy day fund'
https://medium.com/this-is-not-a-drill/its-raining-an-faq-on-using-our-state-savings-account-to-respond-to-the-covid-19-crisis-26e19a749a17

Unemployment insurance 101
https://medium.com/this-is-not-a-drill/unemployment-insurance-101-547c7d8ca950

MassBudget’s Week-in-Review: COVID-19 Response

Franklin, MA: Coronavirus Update - Public Facilities Closure through May 4

To: Town of Franklin Residents, Businesses & Visitors
From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator
Re: Coronavirus Update - Public Facilities Closure through May 4th


Based on the information provided in Governor Baker’s press conference announcing the further closure of public schools, the Town of Franklin is announcing the continued closure of all municipal buildings to the public and employees through May 4th, 2020. These buildings include the Municipal Building at 355 East Central Street, Public Library, Senior Center, Recreation Building, DPW Administration Building, Facilities Administration Building, and Historical Museum. Public safety buildings will remain open for staff and first responders only. Playgrounds will remain closed until further notice.

While the Municipal Building and other departments are closed for direct, in-person service, staff are available for all regular business activities via phone, email and our online services center at www.franklinma.gov. Residents can contact any staff in any department, pay bills, and apply for permits and so forth. Check the Town Coronavirus Portal for a department by department listing of service updates and other resources.

For those without computer access, the Town is continuing checking the white drop box for town bill pay and Census forms at the Municipal Building at 355 East Central Street. It is important to fill out your census forms and send them in as soon as you can. Anyone may continue to use the good ol’ fashioned mail for any Town business or bill payments, as the Town continues to work with the Post Office to process our mail.

Employees are expected to continue to work remotely on their remote works plans that have been approved by each department.

We encourage every resident, business and visitor of Franklin to continue to check our online portal daily at www.franklinma.gov with the most up to date information in town updates, unemployment resources, staff contacts and directories, state announcements and more.

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

Franklin, MA: Coronavirus Update - Public Facilities Closure through May 4

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #7

CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 UPDATE #7

Friday, March 27, 2020

"Friends,

Another extremely busy week on Beacon Hill. I hope everyone is staying safe and practicing social distancing.

My team and I are working hard to keep you updated and get you access to resources that you may need. Check out our website's new resource pages on domestic violence, food banks, mental health, public health, small business, and unemployment.

My team and I also held our very first virtual office hours today! Overall, it was a big success. More details to come on the next virtual office hours session next week, so please stay tuned.

I know there is a tremendous amount of uncertainty and anxiety during this difficult time. I am glad to see emails from many of you highlighting issues for me to work on. Some of the issues the Senate advanced this week include:

• Expanding access to unemployment;
• Creating a robust safety net for housing and supports for people experiencing homelessness;
• Expanding scope of practice for certain nurse practitioners to increase the capacity of our healthcare workforce (this passed the Senate!);
• Securing additional personal protective equipment for healthcare workers; and
• Extending the state income tax due date to July 15 (the final legislative action on this should happen on Monday!).

All of these ideas are in various stages of the legislative process. As ideas become concrete proposals, I will continue to update all of you. My team and I also update my website daily to keep all of you in the loop with the state government response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Follow along at our State Response Tracker (https://www.beccarauschma.com/massachusetts-coronavirus-response). In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if you have any other opinions or are in need of assistance.

In addition, as you likely know from prior updates, I have been intimately involved in crafting legislation to aid cities and towns in continuing to operate during this outbreak. That legislation has been passed by my Committee, and currently sits with the House for further action.

Finally, please join me for a virtual tour of the State House! One of the things helping my husband and me keep our two young children entertained has been virtual tours, especially of museums. I had to go into the (mostly empty) State House twice this week for Senate session, so I've now recorded two mini-tours (#1 and #2). Enjoy!

We will continue sending these updates and resources on Tuesdays and Fridays, so as to not overwhelm you and your inboxes. Please remember that my team and I are fully up and running remotely, and we are here to help you! Please call (617) 722-1555 or email me at Becca.Rausch@masenate.gov if you have questions, comments or concerns.

Yours in service,"

Senator Becca Rausch

The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To review the full content, follow this link
https://mailchi.mp/174ba43a1927/covid19-update-12298873

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #7

30.2% of Households Have Responded to the 2020 Census - 39% in Franklin!

Keep the 2020 Census responses going Franklin! 

We show a 39% response as of 3/26/20 which is more than MA (at 32%) and the nation at 30%

"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."

2020 Census Response interactive page  https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html

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%)

Once Upon A Town: Paul DeBaggis - Franklin MA (YouTube)

"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"

https://youtu.be/p5sc_cXHics

In the News: DPH commissioner positive for coronavirus

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

"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.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200327/dph-commissioner-positive-for-coronavirus

FTC Scam Alert: Socially distancing from COVID-19 robocall scams

Socially distancing from COVID-19 robocall scams by Karen Hobbs, Assistant Director, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC Scammers – and scammy companies – are using illegal robocalls to profit from Coronavirus-related fears. Listen to some of the latest scammy robocall pitches, so you can be on the lookout and know how to respond. (Here's a hint: hang up!) Read more  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/03/socially-distancing-covid-19-robocall-scams  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Franklin Residents: Coronavirus Information Portal (Updates Here!)

Coronavirus Information Portal (Updates Here!)

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 Local, State and Federal agencies. Please check back frequently. 

March 27, 2020, Most recent update at 2:30 PM

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CURRENT NEWS

COVID-19 MEMA Update March 26, 2020 - Updated Daily M-F New
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/covid-19_response_command_center_sitrep_03.26.20.pdf

Massachusetts Announces State Income Tax Filing Deadline Being Extended to July 15

Governor Baker orders schools and non-emergency childcare centers to close until May 4th. (March 25)

Baker-Polito Administration Announce COVID-19 Advisory Board (March 25)

Governor Baker issues closure of all non-essential business effective Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at noon. 

List of Essential Businesses

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TOWN OF FRANKLIN UPDATES

Based on the escalating global COVID-19 pandemic, effective March 16, 2020, the Franklin Town and School Administration offices, as well as all Franklin public buildings will be closed to the public through May 4th, 2020.  Beginning Friday, March 20th, 2020, at 12:00 Noon, all staff will be prohibited from entering any public facilities through May 4th, as well.

• Town Administrator Update: Closure of Facilities until May 4th (March 27) New
• Franklin Senior Center Update (March 27, 2020) Please find the attached memo of updates, resources, and support  New
• Coronavirus Customer Service Updates Department by Department (Last updated March 27, 2020)
• Franklin Public Schools Coronavirus Updates Portal (Updated Regularly)
• Board of Health confirms the first COVID-19 case in Franklin (March 22, 2020)
• Trash and Recycling pickup will continue to be picked up on their normal schedule. The Beaver Street Recycling Center will be closed through May 4th. Curbside clothing recycling is canceled until further notice.
• All municipal parks and playgrounds will be CLOSED to the public. All Franklin Public School grounds and facilities are also closed to the public. Nature trails are OK to use. 
• As of March 18, 2020, drive-through window service will be suspended.

Bill Payments & Permitting

1. White dropbox - residents can drop off payments by check and money order only, census forms, etc. in the white dropbox (mailbox) located on the side of the municipal building. 
2. Permitting and Online Payments (property and real estate, water/sewer/trash, excise taxes) can also be found online:
   1. Online payments
   2. Online Permitting Portal

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Community Resources

The Town of Franklin recognizes the enormous impact the COVID-19 closures and restrictions are having on our community. Please find a variety of helpful resources below.

Unemployment Resources

• Business & Employee Support During COVID-19 Outbreak - Updated 3/26
• Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance
• Information on Unemployment & COVID-19 
• Unemployment Application 
• MEMA Resources & Guidance for Businesses

Food, Housing & Transportation Assistance 

• Milford Regional Medical Center COVID-19 Screening Assessment & Hotline
• Franklin Food Pantry has updated its hours of operation and its processes. As of March 31, Franklin Food Pantry will ONLY be open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30-12:30 pm AND 1:30-4:00 pm. Click for additional details. 
• Hockomock YMCA assistance
• Citizen's Planning & Housing Association
• GATRA Critical service information and contacts
• Neighbor Brigade (Franklin Chapter) 
• Project Bread can help callers with SNAP applications over the phone. The number is 800-645-8333 and they are open 8:00 am -7:00 pm, Mon-Fri and 10:00 am -2:00 pm on Saturdays throughout the crisis. 

Mental Health & Stress Resources

• Maintaining Emotional Health & Well-being During the COVID-19 Outbreak
• Protecting your Mental Health During the Outbreak
• Combating Isolation and Loneliness
• Managing Stress and Anxiety
• Coping with Fear and Stress during the COVID-19 Outbreak
• Mental Health Crisis Support
• Finding Trusted Information Sources and Avoiding Scams 
• Multilingual Resources
• Stigma & Discrimination Prevention

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Important Links & Best Practices

All employees and residents should read the CDC guidelines for personal hygiene and social distancing.  These are the most important things any employee/resident can do to help stop the spread and transmission of the coronavirus (or any virus!). 

• Massachusetts Department of Public Health
• Center for Disease Control (CDC)
• www.Mass211.org provides up-to-date information Massachusetts residents are urged to use 2-1-1 for information, resources, and referrals regarding COVID-19. Operators are staffing this hotline 24/7 and translators are available in multiple languages. Residents with questions can dial 2-1-1 from any landline or cellphone or use the live chat option on the Mass 211 website. 
• Text alerts to stay informed. Text COVIDMA to 888-777 
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Update from the ABCC - No On-Premises Alcohol Consumption 
• Best Practices for Prevention and Treatment 
• Information for Deaf & Hearing Impaired 
• How to Stop the Spread of Germs (CDC Video) 
• Workplace, School and Home Best Practices
• USDA Guidance regarding food safety
• What to do if you are sick (CDC) 
• How to prevent COVID-19 with social distancing (CDC)
• Steps to prevent illness
• How to protect yourself
• Flattening the Curve Information from Sturdy Memorial Hospital
• State of Massachusetts Assemblage Guidance from Governor Baker (March 15th)
• Large gathering Information from the CDC (March 15th) 
• How to clean your smartphone (and other computer hardware) 

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Prior Department Messages

• Messages from Superintendent Dr. Sara Ahern (March 8th, Feb 28th)
• Franklin Police Response to COVID-19 (March 13, 2020)
• Franklin Police Quick Reference Guide to COVID-19 response
• State Fire Marshall Update on Licensing & Inspections
• Council on Aging COVID1-19 update (March 16, 2020)
• Letter from Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen and the Superintendent of Schools, Sara Ahern regarding facilities closure (March 16, 2020) 
• Letter from Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen and the Superintendent of Schools, Sara Ahern regarding Coronavirus 
• A letter from the Superintendent of Schools, Sara Ahern Regarding Coronavirus and School closings

Franklin Residents: Coronavirus Information Portal (Updates Here!)

Calendar updates, and the band played on - a COVID-19 playlist

With all our schedules completely revised by this COVID-19 pandemic, the community calendar tab has been 'unpublished' for now. 

However, there are good things happening so a new schedule of virtual events is coming together. In the meantime, here are a few of the music videos I have seen this week that qualify for me as 'share worthy'.

If you find one or more, please send an email, or add a comment and we can build a YouTube playlist of COVID-19 music to help our spirits.

https://youtu.be/QagzdvzzHBQ



https://youtu.be/wVYPVvS-mI4



https://youtu.be/hN7Vim0mIE8



https://youtu.be/p09hpKAv9Jc




https://youtu.be/Y4E3tHaZBlc




https://youtu.be/xBV8PWayZlo



What would you add to this?

5 FHS Music Students performed with the MA All State Honor Band and Jazz Band

Massachusetts Music Educators Association held the 2020 All-State Music Festival on the weekend of March 5-7. Five students from the Franklin High School music program were selected for an ensemble and performed at Symphony Hall in Boston that Sunday.

The annual All-State Conference features as many as 120 teacher workshops, several concert hours and casual concerts, and is attended by more than 800 music educators and 500 of Massachusetts' top student musicians performing band, orchestral, jazz or choral repertoire.

The Franklin High School students selected to the All-State Orchestra are: Christopher Broyles - Viola, Chai Harsha - Viola, Emma Kucich- Flute. Lauren Dennett performed Clarinet with the All State Concert Band and Jenna VanHyning performed with the All State Chorus.

"The all-state experience is a chance for some of our advanced players to surround themselves with the best student musicians in the state," said Diane Plouffe, Director of Music. "The audition process alone exposes students to other local musicians outside of the Franklin Public Schools who are striving for musical excellence and achievement in their community and school. We are proud of all of our students."

From left to right: Chai Harsha, Lauren Dennett, Christopher Broyles, Lauren Dennett, Jenna VanHyning

Tri-County RVTHS Donates Medical Supplies to Facilities in Need of PPE

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School delivered medical supplies, including Clorox wipes, face masks, gowns, hand sanitizer, and safety glasses, gathered from several of its program departments to facilities in need of personal protection equipment (PPE). These PPE supplies are critical in keeping medical staff safe as they combat COVID-19. Facilities include UMass Memorial, Sturdy Memorial and Countryside Manor.

Several Tri-County graduates who are now working in the medical field have been coordinating with Health Careers instructor Suzanne Dodakian to get these medical supplies, which are in high-demand in the midst of this global pandemic, where they are needed.

“There is no doubt that our doctors, nurses and caretakers are needed now more than ever,” said Superintendent Stephen Dockray. “We are grateful to be able to help them do their jobs and do them safely. Thank you to every medical staff member who is selflessly working to take care of their communities and those who in need of treatment.”

With support from Facilities Director, Harry Takesian, Vocational Coordinator, Cathie Rebelo, and LPN teachers, Patricia Munger, Tara Lane, Maureen Johnson, Suzanne Dodakian, and Lisa Ferrigno we were able to collect, box, and deliver these supplies. From all of us at Tri-County: Stay home, stay healthy, and stay safe.

 

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

Pink bags suspended, clothing recycling program on hold

I missed an update along the way. While the trash and recycling schedule remains the same, the clothing pickups by Simply Recycling (the pink bags) have been suspended.

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

Once Upon A Town: Ray Block - Franklin MA (YouTube)

"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"

https://youtu.be/X8fJlV-BhYQ

v