Community

Trees Available for Blandford Residents to Celebrate Arbor Day

In celebration of National Arbor Day taking place on Friday, April 24, the Blandford Tree Warden (Mark Boomsma) is coordinating efforts to provide trees to property owners for planting on private property. These trees will be at no direct cost to the resident other than a commitment by the property owner to take responsibility for watering and maintaining the tree. It is our intent to promote environmental stewardship and increase climate resiliency as well as to maintain Blandford’s rural character.

The tree’s we have available for planting are Black Walnut, Golden Raintree, and Tupelo Tree and it will be on a first-come first-serve basis. Please contact the Tree Warden at (413) 717-0212 for more information and to request a tree. Residents including seniors who may need assistance with planting the tree, be sure to let the Tree Warden know so that arrangements for such assistance can be made. Please know that when deciding which tree you want and where to plant it, we ask that people take into consideration the size the tree will grow to when it matures, the proximity to any building structures, and if there are any overhead or underground utilities that will interfere with the tree.

Happy National Arbor Day!

April 14, 2020 in Community, Tree Warden

Changes to 2020 Municipal Calendar

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Changes to 2020 Municipal Schedule

Please be aware of the following changes/rescheduled dates on the Municipal Schedule.

  • June 1st – Monday, post for informational meeting (aka mini Town Meeting) to include on the agenda the completed and reviewed warrant. This is a Finance Committee meeting, their post.
  • June 2nd – Tuesday; 2pm-4pm and 7pm-8pm, last day to register to vote at Annual Town Meeting and Annual Town Election.
  • June 8 – Monday, Informational Meeting of the Finance Committee (aka: Mini Town Meeting) – per bylaw.
  • June 15 – Post for Town Meeting and Election, ONE WARRANT.
  • June 22 – Monday, Annual Town Meeting at 7pm – per G.L. c39, 10a. At least a half-hour prior to Annual Town Meeting the Town Administrator, Moderator, Town Clerk, Selectmen, and Town Counsel meet to review warrant.
  • June 27 – Saturday, Annual Town Election; 10am to 4pm. Per Ch. 45 of the Acts of 2020.
April 9, 2020 in Community, Elections, Town Clerk, Town Meetings

Coronavirus: 3/29/20 Town Update

TO: Residents
FROM: Board of Selectman, Board of Health, Emergency Management
DATE: March 29, 2020
MEMO: Stress & Anxiety

There are so many things that could be said and most of which most are repetitive. But first, the Board of Health would like to thank the residents of Blandford for their continued support during this challenging time. Each day we hear so many stories about the Covoid-19 outbreak, that it becomes overwhelming. Coping with the stress and anxiety during this time will make you and the people you care about and your community stronger. Remember, we all respond to stress situations differently, including elderly, teens and children. Take frequent breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate, eat healthy, exercise. Share accurate information and remember Covid-19 can make anyone sick regardless of their race or ethnicity. Remember, take time and talk with your child or teen about the Covid-19 outbreak. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so they can learn how to cope from you.

Here comes our repetitive but so very important and can’t say it enough:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms of:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath AND
  • Have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or live in or have recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. Call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room. Tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.

Please keep you, your family and neighbors safe. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We will respond to you and will keep your information confidential.

March 30, 2020 in Board of Health, Community