Staff Recommends (from May newsletter)
Books, movies, and magazines recommended by Library staff members (see page 4 of the May 2020 Look Here First Library newsletter).
Library and Community News
Framingham Is Collecting and Will Distribute Donated Cloth Face Coverings
Last week, the City began collecting homemade cloth face coverings at the drive-up book returns at both Library locations at 49 Lexington Street and 746 Water Street. So far, people have created and donated more than 300 face coverings so far!
The first phase of this project is collection. Distribution information will be released as the City receives a few more donations. People can find examples of how to make a homemade cloth face coverings from the Centers for Disease Control’s website. Once created, please package the cloth face coverings in an envelope or plastic bag, and drop them off at the specially marked drive-up library book returns. Remember, cloth face coverings protect you and others. Thank you for keeping us all healthy and safe!
From Mayor Spicer: Mental Health Zoom Session, Tuesday, May 5
From Mayor Spicer, City of Framingham Newsletter, April 28:
Over the next week, we will be sharing resources that can help with mental health, culminating in a Zoom Community Hour Tuesday, May 5, at 5 p.m: https://framinghamma.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c2219c95d6cb426c1c0de62f5&id=c66201631d&e=bae586e56b on mental health. Stay tuned for the Zoom details.
Please click here for the entire article.
AstroNights: Live Virtual Astronomy Events, from the McAuliffe Center at FSU
The FSU Planetarium on campus may be closed for now, but our innovative approach to learning is as active as ever!
Next AstroNights Event, Friday, May 1, 7pm
We are excited to announce that live virtual events with our planetarium educators will continue under our new series AstroNights! You can now find information about all upcoming and past AstroNights events, and other planetarium-inspired resources, at our NEW page: www.cm-center.org/dometohome.
We hope you will join us for the next AstroNights event THIS FRIDAY May 1st at 7:00PM! We know that some of you were not able to join live last time, so this time we are offering 2 ways to participate live:
- Register for the Live Webinar. Registration link will be available on the event page on May 1st at 6:30PM. We have expanded the capacity for this live webinar, but we still expect to reach capacity.
- View Live on our YouTube Channel! No registration required. The video will not be visible on the channel page until the live stream begins. You may need to refresh your browser.
Ways to Stay Informed About COVID-19 in Framingham
You can stay informed about COVID-19 in Framingham in several ways:
- By text: To receive information from the City on a mobile device, text "Join FraminghamMA" to 30890.
- Social media: Residents also can find updates on Facebook and Twitter @Framingham_MA.
- Call: For questions regarding COVID-19 in Framingham, please call the Emergency Operations Center at (508) 532-5800.
- Receive phone messages. If there is an urgent update, the City will employ the "Alert Framingham" phone messaging system, otherwise known as Rave. To sign up for the City's Rave system, please go here:https://www.smart911.com.
Framingham Establishes Temporary Financial Assistance for Those Impacted by COVID-19
In response to the pandemic, the City of Framingham will provide relief of rent, mortgage, and/or utility payments for two months to alleviate the burden for households that have lost their employment and primary income as of March 10, 2020. For application information, visit the Resources for Residents page on the City’s COVID-19 website and select the “Temporary Financial Assistance” tab.
- Program flyer in English
- Program flyer in Portuguese
- Program flyer in Spanish
- Program application in English The City is in the process of providing the application in to Portuguese and Spanish as well. Please check the Resources for Residents page, Temporary Financial Assistance tab.
Please Donate Your Homemade Cloth Face Masks!
For examples of how to make a homemade cloth face covering, please visit the CDC website page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
Please package your face coverings in an envelope or plastic bag and bring them to our drive-by drop boxes, available at both Library locations, 49 Lexington Street and 746 Water Street.
Online Zoom Community Hour with Mayor Spicer and Dr. Wong, April 21, 5-6pm
Mayor Spicer and Dr. Wong will answer resident questions live about how the City is managing COVID-19. Questions can be posed during the hour via the Zoom's Chat function. If you cannot attend and have questions, please email kmcfalls@framinghamma.gov with the subject line: April 21 Community Hour. Click here for information on how to join. A video recording of the Zoom session will be available on the City's Facebook page and Mayor's Facebook page following for those who couldn't attend
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
From Maria Robinson, State Representative, 6th Middlesex District:
Claimants are now able to file for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
You can do so by applying on the Apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance page of the Mass.gov website.
PUA is a program open to the following individuals:
- Self-employed individuals, including gig workers, freelancers, and independent contractors
- Those seeking part-time employment
- Claimants that have an insufficient work history to qualify for benefits
- And claimants that have been laid off from churches and religious institutions and are not eligible for benefits under state law
Important Information for Immigrants from the Attorney General’s Office
The Office of the Attorney General wants everyone to know that health care is available regardless of immigration status. Please read the posters below:
