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THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, March 20, 2020 Page 7 Sen. Lewis hosts transportation conversation State Senator Janson Lewis (second from right) recently hosted a panel discussion and Community Conversation entitled “What Will it Take to Fix Transportation in Greater Boston?” He was joined by panelists Erin Wortman, the Stoneham Town Planner and President of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, and Chris Dempsey, the Executive Director of Transportation for Massachusetts. In light of public health considerations, the event was converted to a Facebook live stream instead of an in-person event. (Courtesy Photo) Mass Bay Credit Union responds to financial impact facing local families L ike many companies, Mass Bay Credit Union has been proactively taking necessary steps to ensure the well-being of its members and employees. Understanding the fi nancial impact to local families, today Mass Bay allocated one million dollars in interest-free loans to help people meet the unexpected expenses or temporary loss of income they are being faced with. They are off ering 1,000 one-year personal loans of up to $1,000 at no interest. President & CEO Theresa Dorilas said, “We understand and support all the eff orts local governments, businesses and associations are taking to protect the people in EMERGENCY | FROM PAGE 1 ing despite the shutdown of City Hall. Hogan said employees are working remotely, and succession plans are in place within diff erent departments to assure essential services will continue even if department heads and directors become ill. Superintendent John Oteri offered an update on city schools, which closed last week with no date to reopen. And fi nally, State Senator Jason Lewis described the state’s two main strategies for dealing with the emergency. The fi rst focuses directly on the virus with education, prevention, testing and treatment. “The second main strategy involves all of the ramifi cations of what this is doing to our communities and our economy,” said Lewis. “We are looking at the impact on families, workers, seniors, businesses – particularly small businesses and nonprofits – and considering what we need to do to provide assistance.” Lewis said he is part of a Senate task force that launched a $15 million emergency fund to support local boards of health and is now working to expand unemployment benefi ts and establish measures to prevent evicour community. However, we also realize that at an individual family level, fi guring out how to handle school closings, and/or being home from work, presents a very real fi nancial challenge.” Like all credit unions, Mass Bay Credit Union is owned by the members who choose to do business there. Membership eligibility, such as living in Middlesex, Norfolk or Suff olk Counties or a dozen other towns, is located on massbaycu.org. Opening a savings account establishes Membership and opens availability to other products, like this loan offering. Mass Bay Credit Union also added that standard lending criteria will apply. tions and foreclosures. Viewers used a Facebook thread to post a wide range of questions for the panel. One person asked if city parks would be closed. Webb said they will remain open for residents to get fresh air and exercise but not for organized sports or a place for people to congregate or socialize. “Keep your physical distance as you should at all times,” said Webb, who also warned families to keep children off playgrounds. Cronin said his team has been working with senior housing facilities, which are closed to most visitors, with information and advice about prevention. And Lewis responded to a question about a shelter in place order explaining that the state has no plans to take that step at this time. He added that the state’s decision does not keep cities and towns from issuing a community lockdown. During the livestream about 250 residents were logged in and watching. However, by the following day, the forum had racked up nearly 7,500 views. The video is available on YouTube at https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=TcP8alJ7uso. EMERGENCY | SEE PAGE 10 Easy! In addition to its South Boston Headquarters, Mass Bay Credit Union has branches in Everett, Quincy and the Seaport. Over 19,000 people choose Mass Bay Credit Union for great rates, low fees, and personal service. In addition to off ering a full array of deposit and lending products, Mass Bay Credit Union members have access to over 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs and 6,800 credit union branches. In business since 1936, Mass Bay Credit Union has assets in excess of $265 million. We Now Offer For Your Eating Pleasure “UBER EATS” Convenient Delivery Service Bianchi’s Pizza and Renzo’s Full Menu To Go Open for Takeout for Bianchi’s Pizza and Renzo’s Food 381 Revere Beach Blvd., Revere 781-284-5600 Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma THE RIGHT HOME FOR YOUR HOME LOAN. MASS BAY MORTGAGES Apply at massbaycu.org or at our South Boston branch. Great, Competitive Rates We Keep Your Loan Servicing massbaycu.org (617) 269-2700 South Boston – Everett – Quincy – Seaport NMLS ID #615913 Federally insured by NCUA EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Purchase or Refinance Super-Easy Application

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