Fiscal Year 2020 4th Quarter Real Estate & Personal Property Tax Bills Have Been Mailed

"Treasurer Collector, Kerri A. Bertone has mailed the Fiscal Year 2020 4th Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property tax bills"

Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/treasurer-collector/news/fiscal-year-2020-4th-quarter-real-estate-personal-property-tax-bills-have

Fiscal Year 2020 4th Quarter Real Estate & Personal Property Tax Bills Have Been Mailed

Franklin Residents: Simple Recycling Temporarily Suspended

Simple Recycling Temporarily Suspended

Curbside Simple Recycling (pink bags) is suspended until further notice.



I posted last week that I had missed an update on the change with this service. As I walked this week, others also had still missed my update too. I did stop to give a couple of my neighbors the news that the pink bags would not be picked up.

Shared via Facebook (and confirmed with a conversation with DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi)

https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW/photos/a.938433076241163/2980216915396092/

Don't put the pink bags out when you put out your trash/recycling

A Note To Our Lifelong Community Learning Friends

"The postponement of Lifelong Learning programs has now been extended through May 3rd. This extension aligns with announcements made by Governor Baker on March 25th and subsequent communications from Franklin Public Schools.

Using this updated and still fluid information, we are currently exploring the possibility of rescheduling as many programs as possible. Please watch our website for updates.

Thank you for your interest in Lifelong Community Learning.

Please be safe and well."

Following announcements by Gov. Baker earlier this week, Lifelong Learning programs are now postponed until May 4th. When available, updates on specific classes will be sent to registrants via email. Be well! https://t.co/993kSsZ9fP

— Lifelong Learning (@FPSLearning) March 27, 2020

A Note To Our Lifelong Community Learning Friends

FM #233 Fire Chief James McLaughlin 3/04/20 (audio)

FM #233 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 233 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin’s Fire Chief James McLaughlin. We had managed to meet in person to record this at the Franklin studio on March 4 and while we did briefly discuss coronavirus this was ‘back in the old times’ before the COVID-19 pandemic.

While this recording almost got ‘lost in the mix’ of the pandemic, most of what we covered is as valid today as when we recorded it. A few of the time references may change due to our new circumstances. The Fire Dept did successfully host their St Patrick’s meal at the Senior Center on Friday, March 6. The one scheduled for Friday, March 13 was canceled as we entered shutdown mode.

Chief McLaughlin shares the story of his work and how the road led him from Warwick, RI to Franklin. He was appointed in June 2019 and in the course of our discussion talks about his first several months on the job.

We will schedule another session (to be conducted remotely) to catch up on what he and the fire department are doing during the pandemic. This conversation runs about 39 minutes, so settle in and listen to my conversation with Chief McLaughlin. Audio file = https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-233-fire-chief-mclaughlin-03-04-20

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

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 #233 Fire Chief James McLaughlin 3/04/20 (audio)

Franklin Residents: Trails and Walking Paths to use (at a social distance!) with others

Trails and Walking Paths

We have created a Trails and Walking Paths site to serve as a resource to our community. During these uncertain and unprecedented times, it is still important to get outside, breathe fresh air and de-stress, all while practicing social distancing. 

We hope you find it helpful and use the trails and paths respectfully and responsibly. Be well! https://bit.ly/3bDgozC

along one of the trails in the Franklin Town Forest (off Summer St)

Love from Oak St (video)

Some goodness from Oak St Elementary to share!



LOVE from Oak Street from Heather Adams on Vimeo.

shared via Twitter  https://twitter.com/OakStElementary/status/1244608436815478784

2020 HockomockSports Girls Basketball Awards

The Franklin High School selections for the 2020 HockomockSports Girls Basketball Awards are shared here. Follow the link below for the complete HockomockSports.com listing

Player of the Year

"Franklin senior center Ali Brigham has been named the 2020 HockomockSports.com Girls Basketball Player of the Year, the ninth recipient in the site’s history. Brigham, a four-year starter, led the Panthers to back-to-back Kelley-Rex division titles, a perfect 25-0 season, and the program’s first-ever state championship.

“Ali has been one of the most dominant players in the state over her impressive career,” said HockomockSports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry. “She just keeps getting better every year and adding new dimensions to her game, while also becoming one of the vocal leaders of the best team in the state. It has been a lot of fun to watch her play for the past four years and this season was the perfect way to cap off her career.”

Brigham led the league in scoring during the regular season at 21.1 points per game. The George Washington-commit became the school’s all-time leading scorer, male or female, finishing with 1,692 points for her career. She was also a dominant force on the defensive end and on the glass, grabbing a school-record 1,276 rebounds in her career, and averaged a double-double for the third straight year.

“Ali is a program changing player who has made everyone around her better and inspired a whole new generation of girls playing youth basketball in Franklin,” said Franklin coach John Leighton. “Ali’s focus has been on the team. Even while breaking the school rebounding and scoring record she actively sought to involve others in our offense.”

Continue reading the write up at the link below

Ali Brigham has been named the 2020 HockomockSports.com Girls Basketball Player of the Year

First Team
Olivia Quinn – Franklin – Forward
Franklin sophomore Olivia Quinn made a huge leap from last season and became an integral part of the Panthers winning a second straight league title and the program’s first state championship. Quinn, the HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year (see below), averaged more than 15 points per game this season, becoming the second-leading scorer on the team. She shot 53 percent from the field and 36 percent from three, giving the Panthers a dynamic playmaker on the offensive end of the floor. Franklin coach John Leighton said, “Olivia has developed into a prolific scorer that can score in many different ways. Her improvement since her freshman year is hard to believe. Liv has a work ethic that inspires her teammates.”

Ali Brigham – Franklin – Center
Franklin senior center Ali Brigham led the Hockomock League in scoring (21.1 points per game) during the regular season, set new school records for career points and rebounds, and led the Panthers to a second straight Kelley-Rex division title, a perfect 25-0 record, and the program’s first-ever state championship. The George Washington-commit was named the league MVP and the HockomockSports.com Player of the Year (see above) for the second season in a row. She finished her career with 1,692 points and 1,276 rebounds. Franklin coach John Leighton said, “Ali is a program changing player who has made everyone around her better and inspired a whole new generation of girls playing youth basketball in Franklin.”

Underclassman of the Year

"Franklin sophomore forward Olivia Quinn has been named the 2020 HockomockSports.com Girls Basketball Underclassman of the Year; the eighth season this award has been given out to the top freshman or sophomore in the league. Quinn was an integral piece of Franklin’s historic perfect season and first-ever state championship.

Quinn was the league’s most improved player, going from a freshman with potential to one of the Hock’s top scorers at more than 15 points per game. She became the Panthers’ second-leading scorer and a dynamic counterpoint to Ali Brigham on the offensive end of the floor.

“Olivia showed flashes last season that she could become a factor for the Panthers but no one saw her becoming the star that she was this year,” said HockomockSports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry. “She has all the tools, stretching the floor with her ability to shoot from distance, quickness and handle to take defenders off the dribble, and the ability to guard multiple positions. Olivia is going to be a problem for opponents for the next two years.”

Continue reading the write up at the link below

Olivia Quinn has been named the 2020 HockomockSports.com Girls Basketball Underclassman of the Year

Defensive Player of the Year

"Franklin junior guard Erin Quaile has been named the 2020 HockomockSports.com Girls Basketball Defensive Player of the Year. Quaile is the sixth player to receive this honor in the eight years that it has been given out and the second player to have won it in back-to-back seasons.

Quaile could control games without scoring a point by dominating opposing guards on one end and keeping the Franklin offense running smoothly on the other. She locked down some of the top guards in the league and in the state, including an impressive performance against Holy Name’s star Jaini Edmonds in the Div. 1 Central quarterfinal. Quaile had 45 steals, 54 deflections, and 55 defensive rebounds this season.

“It’s honestly just fun to watch Erin play defense,” said HockomockSports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry. “She is tenacious, aggressive, and doesn’t give an inch no matter who she is going up against. Even the best scorers know they’re going to be in a battle if they want to put up numbers against Erin."

Continue reading the write up at the link below

Erin Quaile has been named the 2020 HockomockSports.com Girls Basketball Defensive Player of the Year

 

Coach of the Year – John Leighton, Franklin

"Franklin head coach John Leighton has been named the 2020 HockomockSports.com Girls Basketball Coach of the Year. Leighton guided the Panthers to a second straight Kelley-Rex division title, a second straight Div. 1 Central crown, a perfect 25-0 record, and the program’s first-ever state championship.

John Leighton, Franklin

Coming off a season in which the Panthers won a section title for the first time, Leighton made sure that his team put aside last year’s success and focused on doing even better this winter. Franklin rolled through a perfect 16-0 league campaign and a 25-0 overall record to win the D1 crown. Along the way, the Panthers beat a talented Holy Name team three times, beat D2 state champion Foxboro, D4 state champion Cathedral, and D1 South champion Bridgewater-Raynham.

Franklin was the league’s top offensive team (64.8 points per game) and its top defensive team, holding opponents to 37.2 points per game. The Panthers won all four of their playoff games by double digits."

Continue reading the write up at the link below
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/girls-basketball/2019-2020/

Tri-County RVTHS Uses 3D Printers to Make PPE Face Shields

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School has begun using its 3D printers to make face shields for local medical care providers. Currently, Tri-County is in contact with the Milford Health Department and North Attleboro Health Department to get them face shields and also has expressed interest from Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Veterans Affairs, and Norwood hospitals. The list continues to grow.

3D printing is not magic

Tri-County is also one of at least 15 Massachusetts schools who are working together to make shields for Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

“3D printing is not magic. But, as I looked into it more and got connected with some folks who were finalizing a design that was perfect for 3D printing and approved by care providers, I decided to jump in,” said Kristen Magas, a Tri-County Engineer Technology Instructor. She also shared the design Tri-County is utilizing for those who are interested.

face shields made at the school

The machines need frequent tending to get a large number of parts printed. “Harry [Takesian, Director of Facilities] and his team have been putting fresh trays in the machines when one print finishes and then starting up the next print,” Magas explained. Each print takes between one to three hours depending on the machine.

“We all look for ways to feel helpful and useful in this time of helplessness. I feel lucky to have this opportunity to help in some small way, and I am so grateful to the administration and to Harry and his team for making this work,” Magas said.

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #8

CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 UPDATE #8

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Friends,

I hope everyone had a positive weekend. I was glad to see good social distancing on display at my local grocery store.

As of today, Tuesday, March 31, there are 6,620 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. That's an increase of more than 1,000 new cases just since yesterday (5,572 cases). Of today's total, 738 cases are in Norfolk County, 306 are in Bristol County, and 1,340 are in Middlesex County. Until today, Middlesex County had the highest number of positive cases in the Commonwealth; now, Suffolk County has the highest number, at 1,373 positive cases. Nearly 47,000 people have been tested. A total of 89 Bay Staters have died. Additional COVID-19 statistics are provided by DPH. The number of positive cases is updated daily at 4pm.

I'm sure many of you have questions about what the federal stimulus, known as the CARES Act, means for you and your community. The multi-trillion dollar stimulus will provide direct cash assistance to individuals and families, expand access to unemployment benefits, expand loans to small businesses, and bolster our healthcare infrastructure. 

Some key provisions include:

• One-time direct payments: Individuals making up to $75,000 will receive $1,200. Married couples making up to $150,000 will receive a one-time direct payment of $2,400. (Smaller payments will be made to individuals making between $75,000 and $99,000, or married couples making between $150,000 and $198,000).  
• Federally-funded unemployment will be available for 13 additional weeks, bringing the total time period of benefits for Massachusetts workers to 39 weeks. Unemployment benefits will increase by $600 per week for every American, and access to unemployment benefits is expanded to include part-time, self-employed, and gig economy workers.
• $330 billion in emergency appropriations, including $100 billion to hospitals and health care providers. Additional funding will provide personal and protective equipment (PPE) to frontline health care workers, increase testing capacity, and finance construction of new housing for patients and emergency operation centers. 
• Over $350 billion available in federally guaranteed Paycheck Protection Program loans to small businesses. Loan principal amounts will be forgiven for employers who maintain their payroll throughout the public health emergency, helping businesses to maintain current staff levels and prevent layoffs.  

While the unemployment benefits are an important part of the CARES Act, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) informed us that the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) still awaits federal guidance regarding implementation. Until the federal government provides that guidance, expanded benefits will not be available in Massachusetts. Accordingly, DUA asks people who are eligible solely through the CARES Act to wait to apply through UI Online. Please visit DUA's Information on Unemployment and Coronavirus (COVID-19) site to stay in the loop about when those benefits will be accessible.

So many of you have reached out to me and my team looking for ways you can support our medical professionals on the front lines of this outbreak and those impacted by it across the Commonwealth. Thank you. My team compiled a list of ways to help, including how to donate PPE, provide goods to bolster our statewide COVID-19 response efforts, or volunteer, whether or not you have healthcare experience.

Remember, we are in this together. Stay home to the greatest extent possible. Data shows we have not yet hit the peak of this thing, so it's still going to get worse before it gets better. Wash your hands, frequently and diligently. Do not spend in-person time with anyone outside your own household unless you must, such as performing an essential job or purchasing groceries and other supplies; if you spend in-person time with others, maintain at least six feet of distance at all times. Seek virtual mental health support if you need. Use tele-health, which is now covered in Massachusetts. We will get to the other side of this pandemic, but only if we all do our parts. That's how public health works.

Thank you. 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

This newsletter was shortened for publication here, to view the full contents
https://mailchi.mp/13fd5dd03710/covid19-update-12301633?e=0c2c9810fe

In the News: stay-at--home advisory extended to May 4; State ed board grants emergency powers

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

stay-at-home advisory, closure of nonessential businesses extended through May 4

"Gov. Charlie Baker on Tuesday announced the extension of the state’s stay-at-home advisory and mandatory closure of nonessential businesses through May 4.

“This order also extends the 10 person limit on social gatherings until May 4 as well,” Baker said.

The original advisory took effect on March 24 and was scheduled to expire on April 7. It instructs all residents except for employees of essential businesses to stay home, with an exception for excursions to get needed items such as groceries or medicine."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200331/gov-baker-extends-stay-at-home-advisory-closure-of-nonessential-businesses-through-may-4

State ed board grants emergency powers to Commissioner Riley

"The day before school districts are due to submit new plans required under a 2019 funding reform law, Education Commissioner Jeff Riley said he expects a legislative fix soon.

The April 1 deadline for superintendents to submit plans detailing steps they’ll take to close persistent achievement gaps was set before Massachusetts schools, under orders of Gov. Charlie Baker, shuttered their classrooms for a period that will last several weeks in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19.

It’s one of various dates and other provisions laid out in statute and regulations that education officials are now looking to adjust."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200331/state-ed-board-grants-emergency-powers-to-commissioner-riley

Economic impact payments: What you need to know

The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service today (3/30/20) announced that distribution of economic impact payments will begin in the next three weeks and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people. However, some seniors and others who typically do not file returns will need to submit a simple tax return to receive the stimulus payment.

Who is eligible for the economic impact payment?
Tax filers with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 for individuals and up to $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns will receive the full payment. For filers with income above those amounts, the payment amount is reduced by $5 for each $100 above the $75,000/$150,000 thresholds. Single filers with income exceeding $99,000 and $198,000 for joint filers with no children are not eligible.

Eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns for either 2019 or 2018 will automatically receive an economic impact payment of up to $1,200 for individuals or $2,400 for married couples. Parents also receive $500 for each qualifying child.

How will the IRS know where to send my payment?
The vast majority of people do not need to take any action. The IRS will calculate and automatically send the economic impact payment to those eligible.

For people who have already filed their 2019 tax returns, the IRS will use this information to calculate the payment amount. For those who have not yet filed their return for 2019, the IRS will use information from their 2018 tax filing to calculate the payment. The economic impact payment will be deposited directly into the same banking account reflected on the return filed.

The IRS does not have my direct deposit information. What can I do?
In the coming weeks, Treasury plans to develop a web-based portal for individuals to provide their banking information to the IRS online, so that individuals can receive payments immediately as opposed to checks in the mail.

I am not typically required to file a tax return. Can I still receive my payment?
Yes. People who typically do not file a tax return will need to file a simple tax return to receive an economic impact payment. Low-income taxpayers, senior citizens, Social Security recipients, some veterans and individuals with disabilities who are otherwise not required to file a tax return will not owe tax.

How can I file the tax return needed to receive my economic impact payment?
IRS.gov/coronavirus will soon provide information instructing people in these groups on how to file a 2019 tax return with simple, but necessary, information including their filing status, number of dependents and direct deposit bank account information.

I have not filed my tax return for 2018 or 2019. Can I still receive an economic impact payment?
Yes. The IRS urges anyone with a tax filing obligation who has not yet filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019 to file as soon as they can to receive an economic impact payment. Taxpayers should include direct deposit banking information on the return.

I need to file a tax return. How long are the economic impact payments available?
For those concerned about visiting a tax professional or local community organization in person to get help with a tax return, these economic impact payments will be available throughout the rest of 2020.

Where can I get more information?
The IRS will post all key information on IRS.gov/coronavirus as soon as it becomes available.

The IRS has a reduced staff in many of its offices but remains committed to helping eligible individuals receive their payments expeditiously. Check for updated information on IRS.gov/coronavirus rather than calling IRS assistors who are helping process 2019 returns.

 

Economic impact payments: What you need to know

Franklin Residents: Dog License deadline is POSTPONED until June 1st

Dog License deadline is POSTPONED until June 1st

Dog licenses are now due on June 1, 2020. They can be paid online here https://franklinma.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1075 or payments can be made by check/money order in the white mailbox on the side of the municipal building. 

Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/dog-license-deadline-postponed-until-june-1st
 

Top dog photos as of March 2, 2020

 

Franklin Residents: Dog License deadline is POSTPONED until June 1st

 

“We didn't have weeks to act. We barely had days and we might be too late”

When the pandemic is by us (and no one know how long that will take), this story will be one of the contemporary pieces to go back to for the analysis of what happened and what could have happened. We will need to develop the 'lessons learned' from this pandemic for next time. The pandemic is a reminder that while it was predicted, it is likely to repeat until we change.

WBUR shares this reporing: 'We Knew The Inevitable': Why Mass. School Leaders Had To Close Schools On Their Own

“I said, ‘I think we have a kid,’ ” he said. “You could just see that everyone's face was like, ‘OK, this just got real.’ ”

And it got critical. Classes were starting at the school in less than 30 minutes. Immediately, Tremblay divided everyone into smaller groups and assigned tasks. Track down all students and staff who might have had contact with the symptomatic student. Inform those families and advise them to self-quarantine for 14 days. Tell bus drivers to stand by in order to bring kids home.

Some of the Framingham families who needed to quarantine didn’t speak English. Tremblay brought translators into the room. They wrote all official messages into Spanish and Portuguese simultaneously, working in Google docs.

“This escalated, as you can imagine, pretty quickly,” Tremblay said.

Continue reading the article online
https://www.wbur.org/edify/2020/03/30/behind-school-closure-decisions

“We didn't have weeks to act. We barely had days and we might be too late”

Town of Franklin - Fire Dept: Message to Franklin community - 3/30/20

Dear members of the Franklin community,

We are fortunate to be a town comprised of residents, families, business owners, students and visitors. The Franklin Fire Department continues to stand ready to serve each of you and today I am writing to update you regarding what steps we have taken to date to insure the safety of our town, specifically in terms of the COVID-19 virus.

As you are aware, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts declared a State of Emergency on March 10, 2020.

As a result, the Franklin Fire Department issued several General Orders over the past several weeks to all members of the department to ensure the safety of community members, themselves and their families. Some of the significant orders include medical screening of personnel before reporting to duty, strict daily cleaning guidelines for the vehicles, equipment and stations as well as setting protocols for emergency personnel interaction with all members of the public.

The Department has an adequate reserve of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and has submitted more orders through the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and private vendors for the continued safety of everyone in our town. While it is necessary that both fire stations be closed to the public for safety reasons, online burn permitting is still available
at www.franklinma.gov/fire-department. By order of the Governor, smoke and carbon monoxide inspections have been postponed until further notice.

I want to assure you that the level of service from the Franklin Fire Department has not and will not change during this time. We have made the necessary modifications to our standard practices based on the guidance of the health professionals. The men and women of the department are well trained and have the proper equipment and support they need from the Town to perform our vital services to the community.

I urge everyone to please abide by the recommendations made by the CDC, the Governor and the Department of Health. In addition to those organizations’ websites, also stay up to date on local information at www.franklinma.gov.

We will continue to be in touch with you as this situation evolves. Please feel free to reach out to me personally at 508-570-8248 with any questions or concerns you have in the meantime.

Thank you and please stay safe and healthy. 

James G. McLaughlin
Fire Chief/EMA Director

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/town_letter_-_ffd.pdf
 

Town of Franklin - Fire Dept:  Message to Franklin community - 3/30/20

 

FM #232 Franklin (MA) Health Director Cathleen Liberty 3/27/20 (audio)

FM #232 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 232 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin’s Health Director Cathleen Liberty. We did a conference all to adhere to the ‘social distance’ requirements of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cathleen shares some insights into the current pandemic and what we can learn from previous ones (HIV-Aids, H1N1).

The conversation runs about 15 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Cathleen.  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H1qqpx1X




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

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 #232 Franklin (MA) Health Director Cathleen Liberty 3/27/20 (audio)

State Rep Jeff Roy: Update #6 on COVID-19

COVID-19 update #6

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to test us, but our Commonwealth and communities have stepped up to the challenge. Our goals are to keep infections down and to watch out for one another. Communication is key at this time and that's why I send along these updates regularly in addition to updating my website. New information is coming out regularly and in great volume. To keep the information timely and manageable, I will continue to post only new information in these update emails. Please visit https://jeffreyroy.com/covid-19-updates/ for a compilation of all of the updates. That site will be updated frequently to keep you up to speed on the latest developments. Here are the updates since my last email:

Current cases. In Massachusetts, there are a total of 4,955 cases of COVID-19, out of the 39,066 individuals that have been tested. Forty-eight deaths in Massachusetts have been related to the virus. The state's capacity to test has been expanded so we expect that number to continue to rise as more people get tested. For complete details, click here.

Producers and volunteers. To donate goods for use in Massachusetts' response to the COVID-19 public health emergency: click here.  To provide information about goods you are looking to sell to support Massachusetts' COVID-19 response efforts: click here.  To adapt your business to produce Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): click here.  To volunteer to assist in public health, health care, and emergency response: click here.

Screenings available. MA residents who suspect they might have COVID-19 can now use this Buoy Health COVID-19 Web App, which will help to screen them based on a series of questions and connect them to a health care provider via telehealth. Click here to get to the site.

COVID-19 Text Alerts. Today, Massachusetts launched a text alert system called AlertsMA. The new messaging tool will allow residents to subscribe to real-time notifications by texting the keyword COVIDMA to 888-777.  After signing up, state and public health officials can send short messages and links to information directly to a resident's cell phone or other mobile device.

State Tax Deadline Extended. Massachusetts has moved the state personal income tax filing and payment deadline to July 15, consistent with the federal government, in order to provide additional flexibility to filers during this crisis.

Remote learning. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is requesting that educators continue to develop high-quality educational materials to provide students with effective remote learning resources through the month of April. The Department is also creating a model for districts to use and modify in collaboration with local stakeholders to fit their school district's needs, and will continue to work with schools to identify best practices for implementing effective remote learning. Additionally, through a new partnership between DESE and WGBH, educational resources will be posted on the department's website, and middle and high school students can access WGBH and WGBY educational programming on WGBH and WGBY on the WORLD channel from noon to 5 p.m.

Franklin information portal. You can view other information on Franklin's portal by clicking here.

Medway information pages. You can view the Medway School Department's update page by clicking here. The town's health page can be accessed by clicking here.

Further guidance and recommendations. Health-related guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for various audiences can be accessed by clicking here. I wish you the best as you navigate this public health crisis.

Please look out for your friends and neighbors and stay informed with the links above.

If you have additional questions or need additional information, please let me know. I am not a medical doctor, so please contact your health care provider if you have specific health concerns. But I am happy to try and chase down any policy or state government related questions you might have. You can reach my State House office at 617-722-2030 or email me at Jeffrey.Roy@MAhouse.gov. 

State Rep Jeff Roy

State Rep Jeff Roy: Update #6 on COVID-19

The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full set of content
https://mailchi.mp/81e682cc9ab3/ux2l17im8a-2482545

Hockomock Area YMCA Responds with Food Collection & Distribution

The Y served over 5,700 meals in the first weeks of responding to the Coronavirus health crisis, and will continue to be on the front lines preventing hunger to the most vulnerable - our children. As the community need continues to grow, the Hockomock Area YMCA has announced that family-sized bags of food will be available for drive-up distribution on Wednesdays from 1-2 PM and 5-6 PM at the YMCAs located in Foxboro, Franklin and North Attleboro. No registration is required.

Last week, at these locations (67 Mechanic Street Foxboro; 45 Forge Hill Road Franklin; and 300 Elmwood Street North Attleboro) the effort resulted in the distribution of 259 bags of much appreciated food for local families in need.

In partnership and collaboration with school nutrition and many other community partners, the Hockomock Y is also providing grab and go meals Monday through Friday in North Attleboro at the Community School and in Milford at the Memorial Elementary School. “To date, we have provided 5,729 meals,” says Ed Hurley, president of the Hockomock Area YMCA.

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“It is with heartfelt gratitude that the Hockomock Area YMCA acknowledges and thanks all of our community partners and Y members, friends and donors for their extraordinary generosity during this time of need,” continues Hurley.

For anyone interested in helping out, the Y has located collection bins for non-perishable food donations at the above sites, which are available seven days a week from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. The response from Y members and our community has been heartwarming. But the demand will continue to grow in the coming days and weeks. Suggested donations include the following food items: oatmeal cups/packets, macaroni & cheese boxes/cups, granola bars (nut free whole grain preferred), applesauce or mandarin orange cups (no added sugar), whole grain crackers, tuna pouches in water (low sodium), Progresso chicken soup (low sodium), rice boxes/cups, Barilla Ready Pasta and pasta boxes.

Needless to say, these are challenging times that none of us could have predicted just a few short weeks ago. Despite the social distancing that is required these days, let us not miss the opportunity to benefit from social connection. Technology and social media offer great opportunities to still stay connected. But let’s also pick up our phones to check on our friends and loved ones more—which is something the YMCA is doing for its senior members: calling to check on them.

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“As our YMCA has always done, we will face these challenges head on and continue to do whatever we can to meet the incredible community need that exists all around us,” says Hurley. “We encourage those who are able to provide contributions of non-perishable foods to do so at any of our Hockomock Area YMCA branches.”

If you are interested in providing monetary donations, please contact Katie Moore at katiem@hockymca.org or 508-643-5265. Thank you to these leadership donors who have joined our philanthropic efforts: CVS Health, United Way of Massachusetts Bay, Dave and Anne Doran, Tom and Trish Gruppioni, Stop & Shop, The Captain Kyle R. Van De Giesen Memorial Award Fund, and anonymous donors.

For more information, please visit: hockymca.org.

About Hockomock Area YMCA:

Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.