Town Hall Update - 4/15/20
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
A special thank you to our Council on Aging Director, Pam Blaquiere and COA staff, Boxford Police, and many volunteers who have shopped, sorted, and delivered groceries to those in town who are at risk during this pandemic.
We are grateful to those who have donated to the COVID-19 fund. Our Council on Aging would not be able to offer this program without you. Thank you for your generous contributions.
For seniors or those suffering from a chronic illness who would like to take advantage of this program, please call the Council on Aging at 978-887-3591 by 4:00 PM on Mondays with essential items that are necessary for the week.
If you would like to donate to the COVID-19 fund, please click here (choose "donation" from the menu, then choose "COA COVID relief fund").
Thank you for supporting seniors in our community!
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Monday, March 30, 2020
To all residents of town, our heartfelt thanks for your donations.
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Thursday, March 26, 2020 - Update
THE COUNCIL ON AGING NEEDS YOUR HELP - please consider donating
The COVID-19 outbreak has been challenging for the seniors in our community. Tomorrow, Friday, March 27, the Council on Aging will be doing a shopping run for seniors in need during this difficult time, and the need is great. The Council On Aging COVID Assistance fund is accepting donations via our website to help our volunteers and employees continue to meet the needs of our seniors. If you would like to donate to this important cause, please click HERE. You are given three options on the donation page, please make sure you chose the third option "COA COVID Assistance Fund".
We appreciate your assistance and support of the seniors in our community! Thank you.
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Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Update
To all residents:
At last night’s virtual Board of Selectmen meeting the Board voted to postpone the Annual Town Meeting. The Annual Town Meeting is now TENTATIVELY scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, 2020. The Legislature is currently preparing new legislation to allow towns to postpone Town Elections and when that becomes official, Boxford will postpone its Annual Town Election to June 30, 2020.
The Board of Selectmen joined other communities and declared a local state of emergency due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Board members agreed to keep public areas including Boxford Common open for individuals and small family groups to enjoy outdoor activities, but warned that group gatherings of more than 10 people or activities that include contact closer than 6 feet will not be tolerated. The Boxford Police will enforce the Governor’s Emergency Orders.
The Council on Aging reported on its highly successful and growing project to provide essentials to any Boxford resident in isolation or quarantine; or those who are merely nervous about going out. Residents simply call the COA at 978-887-3591 or the 24-hour Communications Department at 978-887-8137. Town personnel and volunteers will be happy to pick up prescriptions, groceries or other essentials. As always if it is an emergency dial 911.
The Council on Aging also announced it will soon implement a town-wide, periodic, “wellness” phone check on every resident over the age of 70. Residents in that age category will be asked if they have any needs or concerns and information will be forwarded to appropriate entities for assistance.
Boxford Police Chief James Riter, Fire Chief Brian Geiger, and 911 Communications Director Warren Gould reported to the Board members concerning medical response. The Chiefs outlined new procedures to ensure that residents are provided the quality care they have come to expect while being protected from any outside transmission of the virus into their homes. The first responders are also protected and will not spread any exposure back into the general population. Residents should be confident that the emergency personnel are well trained and equipped and should, as always, reach out the Boxford Police and Fire in all medical emergencies. These dedicated personnel are ready and able to assist you as always, in all cases.
Reminder to all residents to call, email or message town personnel with any questions, concerns or ideas. Personnel are not in the offices, but are monitoring all forms of communication remotely and will respond timely. Be safe, be healthy and be in touch.
Alan Benson
Town Administrator
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Monday, March 23, 2020, Update
Residents of Boxford:
Below are communications from Governor Baker regarding orders of closure of non-essential businesses:
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March 20, 2020, Update
Residents of Boxford:
Your local government is prepared to assist all residents as the intensity of the COVID-19 emergency continues to develop.
Communication to Residents: The Town’s Website and Facebook account will be the Town’s primary method of communicating necessary information to its residents. In addition, as necessary, we will utilize the town-wide telephone alert system to provide critical updates.
Communication from the Board of Health: The Boxford Board of Health has a dedicated outreach page prominently displayed on the home page of the Town website. Health alerts will also be broadcast on the Town’s Facebook account and widely distributed on additional social media outlets.
Communicating with Town Government: Non-public safety Town services are being provided virtually to residents. Call or email Town departments (Click Here for direct links) with questions, to obtain permits, to make payments or for requests for assistance. Staff members are remotely monitoring emails and phone messages and will get back to you. Questions may also be sent to Town personnel through the “contact us” portal on the Website or via a direct message on Facebook.
Servicing residents in need: If any resident is homebound or is advised to stay home, contact the Council on Aging at 978-887-3591 or the 24-hour Communications Department at 978-887-8137. Town personnel and volunteers will be happy to pick up prescriptions, groceries or other essentials. As always if it is an emergency dial 911.
Outreach to Seniors over 75: Representatives of the Council on Aging have been in direct contact with all residents over the age of 75 and town employees will conduct frequent, periodic “wellness checks” on all residents in this age group.
Outreach to the Disabled: If you or anyone in your family are disabled and feel susceptible to contacting Coronavirus or if you are in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Communications Department at 978-887-8137. You will be directed appropriately.
Town Board and Committee meetings: The Town of Boxford is governed by volunteer residents serving on Boards and Committees. Some governmental operations will continue. Board and Committee meeting are closed to the public as most will be conducted remotely through web-based communication tools. However, every effort will be made to broadcast these “virtual” meetings either live or soon thereafter on BCATv (FIOS Channel #39 or Comcast Channel #22 or on the BCATv website). In addition, residents interested in particular issues may “attend” the meeting by remotely joining through web-based software according to instructions linked to every agenda.
As this global pandemic challenges the world, Boxford residents continue to show their resilience. It has been highly reassuring to witness the Town’s dedicated employees, third party support network, board and committee members and most of all the residents, as together all employ social distancing, healthy habits and still keep the Town’s important work moving forward. The Town has seen unparalleled generosity as friends donated items needed for our elders and others at-risk in the community. The Town’s committed staff are working every day to ensure our at-risk residents have what they need without having to risk exposure to this virus; and we acknowledge the great efforts of our schools that continue to offer meals from the doors of our schools.
Be safe, be healthy, and be in touch.
Alan Benson
Boxford Town Administrator