Senior Center: Email Blast - June 11, 2021

Hello Everyone!

Staying Connected

Link to the Senior Center - https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

Link to Franklin Matters - https://www.franklinmatters.org/ and www.franklin.news 

Link to the Town's webpage - https://www.franklinma.gov/

Link to Mass.Gov COVID - https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-updates-and-information 

Save the Date

Tour of the Wang Theater - ZOOM-June 17th at 6pm "A Night at the Theatre" - Experience the beauty and wonder of the historic Wang Theatre live in your home through our Virtual Tour!

Go behind the scenes of one of Boston's most prominent landmarks! Guests will go behind the scenes and see hallways walked by entertainers like Bruce Springsteen, Ella Fitzgerald, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Queen, Elton John, Lady Gaga, Liza Minnelli and more! This is not a prerecorded video; each tour is led by a trained guide that will take viewers through the building and backstage and answer questions about its unique history; from its roots as a hotel and glamorous days as a movie "cathedral", to today's role as an impressive venue for performances and events. Please register for this zoom event by emailing adoggett@franklinma.gov  

 

Downsizing or Preparing for a  Move (even during COVID-19)! 

Monday, June 21st  4 pm—5 pm * FREE via Zoom! 

RSVP to Aicha at akelley@needhamma.gov to register to attend.

Marie LeBlanc, owner of Transitions Liquidation Services, will talk frankly and sincerely about her experiences helping seniors and their loved  ones ease the stress of decluttering, downsizing, and transitioning,  especially during this challenging time dealing with COVID-19. From  organizing household and personal belongings to reducing the emotions of  transitioning to a new home, Marie's company has guided over 1,500  successful moves.

Tips

Back stretches for sciatica

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbZzeO4P9YA 

Cardio boxing, low impact with Paul Eugene

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bwsl-Tvm90

Music

Emmanuel Sejourne': Attraction performed by Christoph Sietzen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ix-QW-BShPY&list=PLEQDQpQ_pA02ubRys7yL_L3a3aEfybfEt 

Super Music by AnimusicLLC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOmFgIxvVzc&list=PLEQDQpQ_pA02ubRys7yL_L3a3aEfybfEt&index=3 

Jacob Collier - Saviour BBC Radio Scotland

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSqaQaoifww&list=PLEQDQpQ_pA02ubRys7yL_L3a3aEfybfEt&index=7 

Just for Fun

Simone Biles debuts historic new move in gymnastics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfNMvlVJdNE 

Joys and regrets of people over 90 - what are some of your greatest joys and regrets in life?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMTm5NOVqJ8 

4 women who look alike find out they are sisters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thS2hBBNWZ4 

Humor

Top 5 Stand up clean comedy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HxW1q0Ksgg 

Kindness Matters

Rescue puppy keeps getting returned until someone finally understands him

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiSyRzjMisE 

Pittie puppy thrown away in the trash gets the BEST home - You might need tissues for this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlOPieqwkGE 

Upcoming Events 

*Monday 

10:00- Asian Mah Jong

11:00- Fabulous Microcars (ZOOM) with Alan Earls

1:00- American Mah Jong

1:00- Chair Volleyball

1:15- Movie Matinee

6:00- Cribbage

*Tuesday 

8:30 Common Grounds Cafe reopens!

9:00- Cribbage

9:30- Busy Bees

9:30- Low Impact w/ Shirley Mae

10:00- Chair w/ Judith (ZOOM)

11:00- Cardio, Strength & Balance

1:00- Audio Book Club (PHONE)

1:00- Bingo

1:00- Cribbage Instruction

1:00 Mindful Movements

1:00 Quilting

5:30 Quarantini Time (ZOOM)

*Wednesday

8:30- 12:00- Wellness RN

9:45- Chair Yoga

10:00- Knitting

10:00- Scrabble

11:00- Zumba

1:00- Chair Volleyball

1:00- Line Dancing

1:00- Senior Scribblers

*Thursday 

8:30- Senior Coffee Hour

9:00- Cribbage

9:30- Busy Bees

9:30- Low Impact w/ Shirley Mae

10:00- Chair w/ Judith (ZOOM)

10:00- Discussion Group

11:00- Cardio, Strength & Balance

12:30- Painting Space

1:00- Bingo

1:30- Franklin Matters Q&A (ZOOM)

6:00- A Night at the Wang (ZOOM)

*Friday 

10:00- Woodcarving

11:00 Sunshine Club (ZOOM)

12:00 T.O.P. S

1:00- Pokeno

Attached you will find: Donna Fun Filled Activity Pages and the flyer for Downsizing, preparing for a move

Stay safe and socially responsible,

Ariel

"We rise by lifting others" Robert Ingersoll

--

Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator

Respite Coordinator

Supportive Day Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll

There is no act of kindness too small

HMEA fund raising concert - Studio 2 - June 26, 2021

"Live music is BACK - and what better way to celebrate than with a tribute to one of the most iconic rock bands of all time? 🎶

Join us June 26th for a live outdoor show with @studio2tribute. All proceeds benefit HMEA programs: https://t.co/736NQtUb0l "

Shared from Twitter  https://t.co/ICzgXZQjgn

HMEA fund raising concert - Studio 2 - June 26, 2021

FHS' O'Brien and Gulla selected as Hockomock League Football All Stars

Via HockomockSports, we share the official 2021 (Fall 2) Hockomock League Football All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Kelley-Rex Division MVP

• TJ Guy, Mansfield

Kelley-Rex Division All Stars

• Jake O’Brien, Franklin
• Mack Gulla, Franklin

For the complete listing of football All-Stars

https://hockomocksports.com/2020-hockomock-league-football-all-stars/ 

FHS Panthers

FHS' Bonnet-Eymard and Mackintosh selected as Hockomock League Volleyball All Stars

Via HockomockSports, we share the official 2021 (Fall 2) Hockomock League Volleyball All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Kelley-Rex Division MVP

• Nicole Coughlan, King Philip

Kelley-Rex Division All Stars

• Ally Bonnet-Eymard, Franklin
• Cailyn Mackintosh, Franklin 

For the complete listing of volleyball All-Stars

https://hockomocksports.com/2020-hockomock-league-volleyball-all-stars/

 

FHS Panthers

Drought Status for MA - Franklin in "Mild Drought"

.@MassEEA announced updated drought conditions, showing improvement in some areas & decline in others. 

The Western, Southeast, & Cape Cod regions are at "Mild Drought" levels, with all other regions at "Normal Conditions." 

For more info & how to help, see https://mass.gov/guides/drought

Shared from Twitter:https://twitter.com/MassEcoRestore/status/1403366612120522756

Drought Status for MA - Franklin in "Mild Drought"

Franklin's Event Outlook: Jun 11 - Jun 13, 2021 -> Escape to the Arts!

Remember last week I said June was bustin' out all over. It is really visible this weekend.  So much going on. Enjoy it, the weather should be perfect!

Friday, June 11
 "Hedgehog Needs a Hug" (story walk)
 Empty Bowls - Virtual Silent Auction
 ArtWALK Celebration
2:00pm - ArtWALK: Franklin Art Association Exhibits
2:00pm - ArtWALK: War Monuments and Memorials History
2:00pm - Farmers Market
4:00pm - ArtWALK:Hodge Podge Puppet & Summer Reading Program
5:00pm - ArtWALK: Sarah Whitney & FHS School String Perform
5:00pm - Library Bag Sale
6:00pm - ArtWALK Kickoff - (complimentary reception)
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
8:00pm - ArtWALK: Rising Stars Cabaret (ticket event)

Saturday, June 12
"Hedgehog Needs a Hug" (story walk)
Empty Bowls - Virtual Silent Auction
ArtWALK Celebration
9:00am - Open house - Grove Street Water Treatment Plant (includes "Touch a Truck")
11:00am - ArtWALK: Open Studio Fundraiser for Nick Gaspar
11:00am - Flag Day Celebration
11:00am - ArtWALK: Philip Hall (all Haydn)
12:00pm - ArtWALK: Live music, active art work, and food truck goodies
12:00pm - ArtWALK: Alexander Morollo
1:00pm -  ArtWALK: Ann Sears, (Chopin, Beethoven, Schubert, Liszt)
2:00pm - ArtWALK: Franklin Art Association Exhibits
2:00pm - ArtWALK: Live Jazz Band
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
8:00pm - ArtWALK: eMulbOy5 (ticket event)

Sunday, June 13
"Hedgehog Needs a Hug" (story walk)
Empty Bowls - Virtual Silent Auction
ArtWALK Celebration
11:45am - ArtWALK: Kenny Hadley Big Band Brunch (ticket event)
2:00pm - ArtWALK: Franklin Art Association Exhibits
4:00pm - ArtWALK: Donald Krishnaswami (free event)
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district meeting calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

 

Community Calendar

FM #560 - School Committee Meeting - 06/08/21 (audio)

FM #560 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 560 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 8, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee members were in the Municipal Bldg, other members joined the public via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. My notes taken during the meeting are also linked to.

The recording runs about 75 minutes (1 hour 15 minutes), so let’s listen to the School Committee meeting for June 8. 

Audio file => https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e489002f-fddb-4d36-ab7e-353d36d9a7d9

 

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

School Committee agenda

https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-6-8-21

Meeting packet folder

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/june-8-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet 

My notes captured during the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/recap-school-committee-hears-davis.html 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

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/ or www.franklin.news/

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 #560 - School Committee Meeting - 06/08/21 (audio)

FHS baseball, softball, boys tennis, wrestling, and Unified Track teams post wins

From HockomockSports.com and Twitter we share the FHS spring sports results: 

Baseball = Franklin, 3 @ Attleboro, 1 – Final 

– Franklin scored once in the first and tacked on two more in the second and that was enough for its pitching staff as the Panthers picked up a 3-1 win on the road, clinching the Kelley-Rex division title for the second straight season. Senior Jake Fitzgibbons drove in a run to put the visitors up 1-0 in the top of the first and then junior Chris Goode and senior Nate Cooke each singled in a run in the second to make it 3-0. Attleboro scored in the bottom of the fifth, when Bailey Camacho (2-for-3) doubled and courtesy runner Hayden Hegarty scored on a single from sophomore Dillon James. Franklin sophomore Alfred Mucciarone earned the win with one run allowed on five hits and one walk, striking out four in five innings. Ethan Voelmicke threw 1.1 innings of scoreless relief with four strikeouts while James Kuczmiec got the save, striking out one in 0.2 innings. Dillon came on in relief for the Bombardiers and tossed five shutout innings, allowing three hits and three walks with three strikeouts.

Softball = Attleboro, 4 @ Franklin, 12 – Final 

– Franklin scored runs in four of the seven innings, exploding for a game-changing six runs in the fourth inning to earn an upset win over visiting Attleboro. The visitors struck first in the top of the first but the Panthers took the lead for good with three runs in the bottom of the first. Franklin added one more in the third and then six more in the fourth to grab a 10-1 lead. Attleboro rallied for three runs in the fifth inning but Franklin put the game away with two more runs in the sixth inning. Freshman Carly Johnson-Pellegri had a big day at the dish, smashing a three-run home run in the fourth inning along with an RBI in the third (fielder’s choice) and the sixth (double). Senior Mary Collins added two hits (including a triple) and two runs, senior Gabby Colace had three hits (including a double) and scored two runs), junior Julia White scored twice and had two singles, and junior Aislinn Lavery used her speed for three singles, scoring twice. Georgia Harvey also had a triple for Franklin while Kelly Moussa had a strong day defensively in right field. For Attleboro, Hailey Perry scored twice and had a triple and both Meghan Gordon and Gabby Bosh had a hit and scored a run.

Boys Tennis = Attleboro, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final 

– Franklin dropped a total of three games as it rolled to a big win over visiting Attleboro. Senior Liam Marr notched a 6-0, 6-0 win at first singles while Drew Mahoney won by the same score at third singles for the Panthers. Vayshnav Malhotra recorded a 6-0, 6-1 win at second doubles and the tream of junior Thomas Broyles and freshman Jay Gorgas took care of business by the same scoreline at second doubles. Senior Anish Gundimeda and junior Sameen Shaik dropped a game in the first set but won six straight in the second set for a 6-1, 6-0 victory at first doubles.

Girls Tennis = Franklin, 2 @ Attleboro, 3 – Final 

– Attleboro swept doubles action and won at first singles to secure a 3-2 win at home over visiting Franklin. Junior Ella Lynch-Bartek earned a 6-3, 6-0 win at first singles for the Bombardiers, senior Rachel Rainey and junior Saharla Yusuf emerged with a 7-6 (6), 6-3 win at first doubles, and the team of freshmen Maddie Fuscaldo and Kyra Johnson rolled to a 6-3, 6-1 win at second doubles to give Attleboro the win. Franklin junior Vedika Vinayak prevailed in a marathon match at second singles, taking a 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (6) win while classmate Sarah Schiavo earned a 6-2, 6-3 win at third singles.

Wrestling = Franklin, 50 @ Canton, 18 – Final   

50-18 majestic win over Cantin. Pins from Carlucci, Cogavin, and Sheridan. #queetwo #cantwin @FHSSports @HockomockSports   https://twitter.com/FHSWrestle/status/1403135661121605638

Final Unified Track Meet of the season and an impressive award. This school Blue heart These kids Blue heart This program Blue heartChoose to include. Teach to include. The connections are long lasting & life altering @FranklinUnified   @Coach_Angelo  @FranklinHS

https://twitter.com/kateluvs2laugh/status/1403151834164994050

Final Unified Track Meet of the season and an impressive award. This school 💙 These kids 💙 This program 💙Choose to include. Teach to include. The connections are long lasting & life altering @FranklinUnified @Coach_Angelo @FranklinHS pic.twitter.com/9E0pF4TqDP

— Kate Lynch (@kateluvs2laugh) June 11, 2021

For the complete results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-06-10-21/ 

Unified Track team recognized with MIAA Sportsmanship Award

Letter from Principal Hanna regarding incident at FHS

Sharing a letter from Mr. Hanna regarding an incident at FHS:

06/10/21

Dear Franklin High School Community,

I am deeply saddened to inform you that late in the school day yesterday, graffiti depicting swastikas was found in a 3rd Floor Boys Bathroom.   The graffiti was promptly removed and an investigation was immediately initiated.   In addition,  I contacted the Franklin Police Department, and we are providing full cooperation and assistance to them.  As soon as our investigation is concluded and if we are able to identify the person(s) responsible, we will follow up with disciplinary consequences and education as set out in the Franklin High School Handbook.    We will also take appropriate steps to remedy the negative impact of these acts on the school community and restore a sense of safety and support for all.  

The fact that the swastika graffiti was found at Franklin High School is far beyond disappointing.  It is extremely troubling and highly inconsistent with the inclusive culture we are committed to creating at Franklin High School.   Franklin High School is no place for hate.   I pledge to you continued vigilance in this matter as well as continued long-term efforts to promote and support a positive, hate-free school environment.  While we believe that the steps we’ve taken this year to address diversity and inclusion have done a great deal to further our school’s mission of being a welcoming and safe school environment, it is clear that we still have a long way to go.  

     To that end, we will be implementing the following initiatives:

• We will provide an opportunity for students and faculty/staff to gather and meet with an administrator/counseling team to process their feelings in the immediate future, if they wish to do so.  In the meantime, counselors are available to talk to any individual child wishing for support in the current moment.

• FHS students, faculty, staff, and administrators participate on the district’s  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee that is leading efforts on bringing awareness to and affirmation of diversity within our school community and developing age-appropriate curriculum and discussions to promote a safe and inclusive learning environment for each and every child. This Committee will continue into the 2021-2022 school year and beyond, in order to continue efforts further into the future.

• I will be addressing the school tomorrow morning before we begin the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance with a reminder of our core values, and how we have no room for hate at Franklin High School.  

Lastly, I’d like to thank the reporter who brought this to our attention.  It takes courage to call out acts of hate and it is a critical part of our growth as a truly safe and inclusive community.   As we move forward from this incident, please know that we are deeply committed to the goals that all students are safe and that all students develop empathy and respect for others.   I will keep you updated on our progress.   

Respectfully,

Joshua Hanna

Shared from: https://www.facebook.com/groups/121835879824/permalink/10158683349829825/

Letter from Principal Hanna regarding incident at FHS

Library Book Sale today, bag sale returns from 5-6:00 PM

The Bag Sale is back on Fridays June 11th & 25th, 5:00-6:00 PM. 

Fill a bag of books for five dollars! Bags will be provided. 

The Franklin Public Library Book Sale is every Friday 1:00-4:00 p.m. All books are one dollar each.

Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/bag-sale-back 

Library Book Sale today, bag sale returns from 5-6:00 PM

Special Edition of Panther News explores #JuneTeenth2021 (video)

"Friday's special edition of Panther News explores #JuneTeenth2021. Thanks to @DiversityFHS for collaborating with us!! @FranklinHS @FranklinPSNews @FHSPantherbook @kiannathomasx @FranklinMatters"  https://t.co/PbvTmv4NAD via @YouTube

(https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1403046886118989826?s=03)

Direct YouTube link -> https://youtu.be/cRAXTOV8r38

Escape to the Arts! with Franklin's ArtWALK Celebration - Jun 11-12-13

"Just want to make sure all of our community knows there is a NEW and giant event going on in Franklin this weekend. This has been organized by the FRANKLIN CULTURAL DISTRICT and has taken dozens of volunteers, thousands of dollars (hard-won grant money) and hours and hours (and hours) of planning. They now need YOUR support by attending! 

There are so many events taking place with this all over town - Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

For the complete schedule, look here: https://buff.ly/3xTXRes 

(I'm especially looking forward to live music on the commons from 2-4 PM on Saturday!)

https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1447466695607153&id=399575860396247

Escape to the Arts! with Franklin's ArtWALK Celebration - Jun 11-12-13

First Pop Shop Franklin site opens with Greco Design Company

"Our very first Pop Shop Franklin location is opening on Friday, June 11th!  We welcome Greco Design Company to our Downtown!  This new shop features unique home decor, gifts, custom signage, original artwork, clothing, accessories, and more! 

Join us for a GRAND OPENING celebration at 2A Main Street!  Greco Design Company will be open this weekend on Friday and Saturday from 12-6pm and Sunday from 1-5pm.  Stop by to check out this exciting new business in town!  

Thank you to the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development for making this possible!"

 #popshopfranklin #economicdevelopment #downtownrevitalization #franklinma #downtown #SupportSmallBusiness

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialTownofFranklin/posts/528890128478094

Greco Design Company

Pop Shop Franklin

LiveARTS performing FREE Concerts at ArtWALK on Saturday/Sunday

LiveARTS Board Members perform LIVE in "Escape to the Arts" 

LiveARTS presents: From the LiveARTS Board, pianists Philip Hall (11am) Alexander Morollo (12 noon) Ann Sears (1pm)   Saturday, June 12th =  11:00 AM - 1:00 PM and violinist Donald Krishnaswami Sunday, June 13th  = At 4:00 PM Saturday's Concerts will be held at the Franklin Historical Museum 80 West Central Street, Franklin MA On Sunday Mr Krishnaswami will perform at  The Black Box  15 West Central Street, Franklin MA  PROGRAM  Saturday: 80 West Central Street, Franklin MA 11:00 Philip Hall (all Haydn) 12:00 noon: Alexander Morollo (Beethoven and Mozart) 1:00 Ann Sears (Chopin, Beethoven, Schubert, Liszt) Sunday: 15 West Central Street, Franklin MA 4:00 Donald Krishnaswami (Bach and a World Premier by Julian Grant)

MA Senate Votes to Extend Popular State of Emergency Measures; Sends to MA House

Today (06/10/21), the Massachusetts State Senate passed a bill which would extend a slate of measures instituted in Massachusetts during the State of Emergency stemming from COVID-19. If signed into law, this bill would result in the included measures being temporarily extended beyond the State of Emergency’s expiration on June 15, 2021.

 

“The end of the State of Emergency in Massachusetts is both a testament to how far we’ve come and a reminder of the work that lies ahead as we seek a robust recovery equitable to all residents” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Massachusetts’ recovery will depend on our ability to respond to the lessons of the pandemic, in such areas as housing, healthcare, the restaurant industry and civic and community engagement. Today’s legislation keeps these conversations going and addresses the future of some of the most popular new ideas that have been embraced during the pandemic. Some of the included measures, like mail-in voting and greater access to public meetings, are not merely convenient but are crucial for the continued health of our democracy. I’m grateful for the work of Chair Rodrigues and the Committee on Ways and Means for moving this important bill forward swiftly.”

 

Many of the extended measures deal with elections and public meetings. Under the bill, mail-in voting would be extended in Massachusetts until December 15, 2021, giving voters flexibility and more opportunity to participate in upcoming fall elections. With municipal approval, early in-person voting could be extended through the same date.

 

Public bodies subject to the open meeting law would be able to continue holding meetings remotely until April 1, 2022. Similarly, remote town meetings would remain an option for Massachusetts municipalities through December 15, 2021, and quorum requirements for town meetings would be eased. Nonprofits and public corporations would be able to hold meetings remotely until December 15, 2021.

 

“Extending these emergency measures will allow municipalities, restaurants, businesses, and residents the flexibility they need to adapt as we continue on the path toward our new normal and we get back to a new better,” stated Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Thank you to Senate President Spilka for her steady leadership and thank you to my colleagues in the Senate for moving quickly to support citizens of the Commonwealth.”

 

Also included in the bill are measures relative to restaurant operations. The legislation would allow municipalities to approve and extend permits for outdoor dining through April 1, 2022. Restaurants would also be permitted to offer alcoholic beverages, including mixed drinks, for off-site consumption with the purchase of food until March 1, 2022.

 

The bill also extends certain protections afforded to tenants during the pandemic. Among these is the requirement that a ‘notice to quit,’ including information on tenants’ rights as well as methods for seeking legal and financial assistance, be served to tenants prior to an eviction. Such notices will continue to be required until at least January 1, 2023. Furthermore, the legislation would also extend hardship protections to persons facing eviction by continuing the court practice of offering temporary continuances to tenants who have filed applications for rental assistance, thereby preventing unnecessary evictions in cases where tenants are unable to pay rent due to COVID-19-related financial hardship. This statutory requirement would have expired on June 15, 2021 and instead will be extended until April 1, 2022.

 

“We learned a lot during the COVID experience, and we may be able to use some of those lessons going forward. This legislation gives us the time to sort out which changes we should make permanent,” stated President Pro Tempore Senator William Brownsberger (D-Belmont).

 

“This bill represents responsible and proactive action by the Senate to ensure that important safeguards remain in place after June 15th,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “The effects of this public health crisis are not over; we must continue to protect the public’s health and well-being. This bill maintains the rapid availability of our strong health care workforce and provides financial support to those most impacted by the pandemic, like those who struggle to secure adequate childcare as in-person work resumes. I thank Senate President Spilka, Chair Rodrigues, and my senate colleagues for their speedy and thoughtful effort in addressing these matters.”

 

“The bill the Senate passed today recognizes that for many people in Massachusetts, the pandemic is far from over,” said Senator Joanne M. Comerford (D-Northampton). “By extending many of these emergency provisions, we can assure people that many of the important protections such as those having to do with public health, remote participation in civic life, outdoor dining, and protections against evictions will remain in place.”

 

In an amendment proposed by Senator Jehlen and adopted during debate, a lack of access to childcare will not prohibit someone from collecting unemployment benefits from continuing to access those benefits.  This practice, initiated during the pandemic and otherwise set to expire on June 15, 2021 will continue until federal unemployment protections expire in September. 

 

Finally, the Senate extended several measures to ensure that sufficient workforce and access to necessary healthcare services remain to address the needs of the Commonwealth during the continuing public health emergency. In a move which fulfills the Senate’s stated commitment to supporting telehealth’s inclusion as a healthcare option for Massachusetts residents, a requirement that certain in-network telehealth services be reimbursed at the same rate as equivalent in-person services would be extended until at least December 15, 2021.

The bill now goes to the House of Representatives.