Saturday, March 21, 2020

Franklin Public Schools Update from the Superintendent 3/20/2020

Please see this video update from Superintendent Sara Ahern - 3/20/2020

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9TgNtOaHbw




And the referenced video she mentions: https://vimeo.com/398230086?fbclid=IwAR3cvK731SQDtKZLL9KOtocJZS9K69sq-fl2atDuFRVEWwDEXqVaqB9FQAY



Thank you,
Franklin Public Schools

Superintendent Sara Ahern at the demographic study info session at HMMS March 5
Superintendent Sara Ahern at the demographic study info session at HMMS March 5

Franklin Public Library Closure Updates

Franklin Public Library Closure Updates

Dear Franklin Community,

Thank you for your enthusiastic response to curbside pickups! Unfortunately, that service has come to an end. Thankfully, the Library still has much more to offer! 

Here are updates and information regarding the Library's services during this closure:
  • The Franklin Library will be closed until April 7th.
  • Our digital library is still open! Explore our collection of audiobooks, ebooks, and more at https://minuteman.overdrive.com/ . On your phone or tablet, download the Libby and Minuteman Library Network apps!
  • Try out Kanopy, hoopla, Creativebug, and Universal Class on the Featured Databases page https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/featured-databases (exclusively available to Franklin residents).
  • Learn something new, read newspapers from across the globe, or pick up a new skill using the links on our Databases & Research Resources page. https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/databases-research-resources
  • Tune in to our Facebook page for streaming storytimes, book discussions, and other live programs.
  • Email reference service will remain available. Send questions to frkill@minlib.net . Questions will be answered within 24 hours.
  • Please hold on to your checked out items! Due dates have been extended to April 30.
  • No donations will be accepted at this time.
  • The ability to place holds on physical items has been suspended.

Updates through email, our website, and social media will be provided as they become available.

Library 
Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinPublicLibrary/
Twitter account  https://twitter.com/FrkPublicLib

Shared from the Library update notification
https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/franklin-public-library-closure-updates

No book or bag sale this weekend due to the pandemic closure
No book or bag sale this weekend due to the pandemic closure

Franklin Residents: NOTICE - Town &; Public Schools grounds closed

URGENT NOTICE!

All Town &; Public Schools grounds, playgrounds, turf fields, grass fields, and the track are closed until further notice. 

Trails are still open. 

Please practice social distancing and avoid groups.


Note: This adds the school playgrounds and fields to the Town closure notice shared earlier
Town: https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/all-municipal-recreation-facilities-are-closed-until-further-notice
Schools: https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1241012389996265480
https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1241012389996265480?s=20

Franklin Residents: NOTICE - Town &; Public Schools grounds closed
Franklin Residents: NOTICE - Town &; Public Schools grounds closed

MBTA Commuter Rail: Reminder - Franklin line shuttle bus for weekend schedule

"We’ve made system-wide service changes to accommodate for decreased ridership and to protect our frontline employees while still enabling travel for essential workers, like hospital staff and emergency responders. 
During the week, all subway lines and most bus routes are running on a Saturday schedule, and all Commuter Rail lines are on reduced service. Regular schedules for these modes are still in effect on weekends. Ferry service has been suspended entirely. 
We value your feedback and are monitoring the effects of these service reductions closely. We will adjust service accordingly as the situation changes.
For the most up-to-date information, and to learn more about our response to COVID-19, visit mbta.com/coronavirus
 
During reduced service, our crews will continue to work on infrastructure repairs and upgrades throughout the system. This weekend, shuttles will replace trains on the Red and Green lines, and on the Green and Mattapan lines on weeknights.

Work will continue on the Commuter Rail as well. Starting Saturday morning, there will be shuttles on the Framingham/Worcester, Franklin, and Lowell lines, and the Fitchburg Line will start and end at Porter.
 
This work supports a number of projects as part of our $8 billion, 5-year capital investment program. 
See how we are making the MBTA better for you  https://www.mbta.com/projects?utm_source=email_digest"

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

South Station – Forge Park/495
Weekends through April 2020


Shuttle buses will replace Franklin Line service between Forge Park/495 and Readville Stations while we upgrade the signal system as part of Positive Train Control (PTC) work. Also during this work, connecting train service between Readville and South Station will be on the Fairmount Line. There will be no Franklin Line service at Ruggles or Back Bay.

Learn about Positive Train Control  
https://www.mbta.com/projects/commuter-rail-positive-train-control-ptc
See all Franklin Line service changes  https://www.mbta.com/diversions/franklin-line


MBTA Commuter Rail: Reminder - Franklin line shuttle bus for weekend schedule
MBTA Commuter Rail: Reminder - Franklin line shuttle bus for weekend schedule

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #5

CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 UPDATE #5                      Friday, March 20, 2020


"Friends,

What a week! Below you'll find further developments on the COVID-19 situation. Going forward, I plan to issue these updates on Tuesdays and Fridays. Please continue to contact my office if you need assistance or guidance in finding state resources. In addition, please remember my staff and I are publishing the latest information on the Commonwealth's response to COVID-19 on my website.

Many of the towns I represent have upcoming elections. Yesterday, the Senate President announced that we will take up a local option bill to allow towns to delay their elections. I believe we'll be doing that on Monday, and I will be at the Senate session personally. Voting access is one of my top issues. I filed a bill at the beginning of this legislative session to provide no-fault absentee voting, which would be a solution to the current problem, as would vote-by-mail. I've been having many conversations about how to hold safe and accessible elections during the pandemic period and will continue to work with my Senate colleagues to get it done, even if it happens in multiple legislative efforts.

On a positive note, we got some excellent news regarding our testing capacity. Starting on Saturday, Marlborough's Quest Diagnostics will be able to test 20,000 people per day across the country. Looking forward, the facility hopes to be able to test 2,000 to 3,000 samples per day from Massachusetts patients, which will significantly increase our capacity.

Another positive -- people have been deeply engaged in the legislative process for the municipalities bill! Thank you to everyone who provided testimony on H.4572, An Act to address challenges in town governance resulting from COVID-19. My co-chair, Representative Jim O'Day, and I received roughly 150 comments from across the Commonwealth. With the help of our tremendous staffs, we reviewed the testimony and are hard at work to get the best possible bill out of committee and to the floors of the House and Senate. Keeping our town governments functioning is vital to our democracy, so we've "fast-tracked" this bill; stay tuned for movement on that early next week.

Please remember that while my office is working remotely, we are here to help you! Please call (617) 722-1555 or email me at Becca.Rausch@masenate.gov if you have questions, comments or concerns.

Yours in service,"


This newsletter was shortened for publication here
https://mailchi.mp/5852da3f396b/covid19-update-12269366?e=0c2c9810fe

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #5
Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #5

Franklin, MA: School Committee - March 24 - FY 21 budget hearing postponed; meeting canceled

The Franklin School Committee's FY 21 Budget Hearing, originally scheduled for March 24, will be postponed to a later date.

The Franklin School Committee's Regular School Committee meeting, scheduled for March 24, is canceled.

 
The Franklin School Committee's FY 21 Budget Hearing, originally scheduled for March 24, will be postponed to a later date.  The Franklin School Committee's FY 21 Regular School Committee meeting, scheduled for March 24, is canceled.
Franklin, MA: School Committee - March 24 - FY 21 budget hearing postponed; meeting canceled

Friendly Reminder from the SUBWAY on East Central St

A friendly reminder from the SUBWAY on East Central St.
"We are open for take out and delivery for all Franklin and surrounding community from 10 AM to 7 PM everyday until further notice"
Address: 252 East Central St, Franklin, MA 02038 - (508) 520-3400


Friendly Reminder from SUBWAY
Friendly Reminder from SUBWAY

https://www.subway.com/en-US/FindAStore
https://www.subway.com/en-US/FindAStore

FIORI: We now sell eGift Cards!

Give the gift of FIORI with a special eGift Card!

Place your order online  https://squareup.com/gift/QE9A48RJBYEZ5/order?

FIORI: We now sell eGift Cards!
FIORI: We now sell eGift Cards!



FIORI
305 Union Street, Franklin, MA, 02038

In the News: funeral masses suspended by Archdiocese of Boston; some stores close, others remain open

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:
"Funeral Masses and other forms of church funeral services will be suspended starting on Monday, the Archdiocese of Boston announced on its website Thursday.

The archdiocese’s Office of Risk Management recommends that “the bereaved be offered the opportunity for a graveside committal service during this time and a memorial Mass when we are able again to offer the celebration of Mass and religious services at our parishes and churches.”

This is the latest in a series of steps local Roman Catholic officials have taken in an effort to to halt the spread of the coronavirus."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200320/boston-archdiocese-to-halt-funerals-starting-monday-because-of-coronavirus



"As normal everyday life grinds to a halt amid the coronavirus pandemic, some of the nation’s biggest retailers have temporarily closed thousands of stores to help stem the spread of the virus.

Simon Property Group, the largest owner of shopping malls in the nation, closed all of its properties on Wednesday. Westfield and Taubman malls followed with U.S. closures on Thursday.

Not everyone is deserting their posts. Grocery stores, gas stations and pharmacies are keeping their doors open to help people stay stocked with essentials, though many are shortening store hours to clean and restock. Walmart, the world’s largest brick-and-mortar retailer, shortened hours beginning Thursday, for the second time in less than a week.

Those stores are joined by office supply and home improvement chains which say they, too, provide essentials. Among the justifications: they provide products people – including first responders – need in a natural disaster. Others say they sell supplies that people need to work and school their children from home."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200320/coronavirus-has-led-many-stores-to-close-why-gamestop-bed-bath-amp-beyond-lowes-cvs-others-are-still-open

"to better enable customers to practice social distancing"

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:
"Hours and days for early shopping vary depending on the individual store. Shaw’s, Big Y and Price Chopper are providing them every day of the week from 6-7 a.m., while Market Basket is offering them from 5:30-7 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Hannaford offers them from 6-7 a.m. on those three days.

Grocery chains throughout the region, including Market Basket, Price Chopper, Hannaford, Shaw’s and Big Y, have begun to offer early shopping hours for seniors to help protect them from both coronavirus exposure and the increasing difficulty of securing high-demand products.

Customers aged 60 and over will have first access to food and supplies in the store, with younger patrons asked to come later.

Older people are most at risk of health complications and death from coronavirus, and are encouraged to minimize contact with potential carriers of the virus, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200320/area-grocery-chains-carve-out-morning-hours-for-shoppers-60-and-older

Big Y - Franklin, MA
Big Y - Franklin, MA

Friday, March 20, 2020

Winter Farmers Market - Mar 21 - Cancelled

"Unfortunately due to the current circumstances, this Saturday’s (March 21) winter market is cancelled

Hope to see everyone in April!"

Fairmount Fruit Farm is open for business. Check out their Facebook page for specific updates  https://www.facebook.com/fairmountfruitfarm/

Winter Farmers Market - Mar 21 - Cancelled
Winter Farmers Market - Mar 21 - Cancelled

FHS' LaPuma, Titmuss, Wu, Eck, Gurge recognized by Hockomock League for Boys Swimming All Stars

Below are the FHS selections from the official the official 2020 Hockomock League Boys Swimming All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league and published by HockomockSports.com.


Hockomock League MVP
Timothy Luc, Taunton

Hockomock League All Stars
Brendan LaPuma, Franklin
Bleddyn Titmuss, Franklin
James Wu, Franklin
Connor Eck, Franklin

Honorable Mentions
Daniel Gurge, Franklin


You can read the full listing of Boys Swimming All Stars
https://hockomocksports.com/2020-hockomock-league-boys-swimming-all-stars/

FHS' LaPuma, Titmuss, Wu, Eck, Gurge recognized by Hockomock League for Boys Swimming All Stars
FHS' LaPuma, Titmuss, Wu, Eck, Gurge recognized by Hockomock League for Boys Swimming All Stars

FHS' Tang, LaPluma, Chew, McGuire, Wainwright recognized by Hockomock League for Girls Swimming All Stars

Below are the FHS selections from the official 2020 Hockomock League Girls Swimming All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league and published by HockomockSports.com.

Hockomock League MVP
Morgan Foltz, Oliver Ames

Hockomock League All Stars
Elizabeth Tang, Franklin
Alyssa LaPluma, Franklin
Katherine Chew, Franklin
Kathryn McGuire, Franklin

Honorable Mentions
Maia Wainwright, Franklin

You can read the full listing of Girls Swimming All Stars
https://hockomocksports.com/2020-hockomock-league-girls-swimming-all-stars/

FHS' Tang, LaPluma, Chew, McGuire, Wainwright recognized by Hockomock League for Girls Swimming All Stars
FHS' Tang, LaPluma, Chew, McGuire, Wainwright recognized by Hockomock League for Girls Swimming All Stars

FHS' Brogan, Calitri, Harrington recognized by Hockomock League as Boys Indoor Track All Stars

The official 2020 Hockomock League Boys Indoor Track All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league was published by HockomockSports.com. The FHS selections are shared here:
.
Hockomock League MVP
David Peters, Stoughton

Hockomock League All Stars
Nick Calitri, Franklin
Tyler Brogan, Franklin

Honorable Mentions
Camden Harrington, Franklin


You can read the full listing of  Boys Indoor Track All Stars
https://hockomocksports.com/2020-hockomock-league-boys-indoor-track-all-stars/

FHS' Brogan, Calitri, Harrington recognized by Hockomock League as Boys Indoor Track All Stars
FHS' Brogan, Calitri, Harrington recognized by Hockomock League as Boys Indoor Track All Stars
 

Lifelong Learning UPDATE: Covid-19 Impact

A Note To Our Lifelong Learning Friends

As the coronavirus (COVID–19) continues to unfold and impact our communities, we're committed to doing what's best for our Lifelong Learning neighbors. Though Franklin Schools and Lifelong Learning are temporarily closed, please be assured our classes will resume once the schools reopen to the community.

During this uncertain time you can continue to find information about our future class activities at www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com, and we hope that can bring you a little distraction and some fun.

If you haven't already taken a look at our Online Learning options, perhaps you would like to check them out now. There may be a course or a series that interests you and/or captures your imagination. Choose the Online Learning picture from the Lifelong Learning home page.


As things evolve, we will make sure you are informed. Stay safe, stay connected, and together we will get through this.


Helpful coronavirus Update Links:

Town of Franklin
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

Lifelong Learning UPDATE: Covid-19 Impact
Lifelong Learning UPDATE: Covid-19 Impact
 

A COVID-19 Update from SSA Commissioner

A COVID-19 Update from the 
Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner

03/19/2020 11:22 AM EDT


I want you to hear directly from me how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting our services. The first thing you should know is that we continue to pay benefits. Be aware that scammers may try to trick you into thinking the pandemic is stopping your Social Security payments but that is not true. Don’t be fooled.

To protect you and help stop the spread of this coronavirus, we cannot accept visitors in our offices at this time. There are several other ways you can get help. Many services are available online. If you have a critical need that you cannot address online, we can help you over the phone.

Please visit our Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) page to find out what services we are continuing and which ones we are suspending, how to contact us, and important information about deadlines we are extending to ease the burden on you and medical providers during this pandemic.
Continue reading the update
https://blog.ssa.gov/a-covid-19-update-from-our-commissioner/#more-4658

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update page  https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/


Andrew Saul, SSA Commissioner (SSA Photo)
Andrew Saul, SSA Commissioner  (SSA Photo)

Stormwater Information Session Recordings

The Town of Franklin held two storm water information sessions to share information with residents on the facts of storm water and the financial impact. 

Due to the pandemic and social distancing policies being enforced, the event scheduled for Saturday (March 21) at the Library is NOT happening.

As soon as a new date is determined it will be shared.

You can listen to each of the first two session recordings

FM #223 - Stormwater Utility Fee Info Session 1 - March 6, 2020 (audio)
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-223-stormwater-session-1-3-5-20



FM #225 Stormwater Utility Session 2 - March, 11, 2020 (audio)



The presentation doc was updated for the second session and available here.
https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/town-of-franklin-stormwater-info-session-2
 


The second session was held at the Franklin TV studio
The second session was held at the Franklin TV studio

"He is not worried to take public transportation"

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:
The normally bustling downtown Framingham train station resembled a ghost town at rush hour Thursday morning.

Only 20 or so passengers boarded a double-decker train after it pulled into the Waverly Street station shortly after 7:30 a.m. Thursday.

Framingham’s Bryce MacIver was one of the handful of passengers making the trek to Boston via the commuter rail. It was his first trip on the train this week, but he rode it all last week and noticed a substantial drop in ridership as the week went on.

“The parking lot on Friday was a quarter full,” he said as he waited to board.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200319/train-stations-across-framingham-worcester-franklin-lines-ghost-town-amid-coronavirus-outbreak


a black and tan themed photo for the snowy St Patrick's day this week.
a black and tan themed photo for the snowy St Patrick's day this week.

Artist Reception - rescheduled to April 26

The previously scheduled art reception hosted by The First Universalist Society in Franklin for Franklin artist Chris Blue Lamb Toubeau has been postponed from March 29 to Sunday, April 26, 1:00 - 3:00 PM. Please join the artist and learn about her series of paintings called "Future Awash"
  
Ms. Toubeau (www.chrisbluelamb.comuses art as a vehicle to communicate about the current climate change crisis, and how humans are complicit. 

The exhibit will run from March 9 - May 3 at the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. www.fusf.org.

1 of a series of paintings "Future Awash"
1 of a series of paintings "Future Awash"


Audible: While school is on pause, kids listen free.

"As all of us around the world confront this difficult new period, we recognize the importance—and the challenge—of staying relaxed and entertained, especially for kids at home who are missing the stimulation of the classroom. From the beginning, Audible has served as an antidote to loneliness and even isolation, as a way to hear words that inspire and transport and for many – words that teach and entertain in deeply intimate ways. 
With all of us experiencing varying degrees of social distancing and school closures, we have created something that we hope makes our customers' lives a little easier. At stories.audible.com, you will find hundreds of our titles available completely free. The collection has been handpicked by our editors and is a mix of stories to entertain, engage, and inform young people, ages 0–18. 
These stories offer a screen-free option that we hope may help break up the day for families with students home from school. 
There are selections for our listeners in English, Spanish, German, French, Japanese and Italian. 
To access the free titles, just visit stories.audible.com from any web browser. 
The experience is completely free – no log-ins, credit cards, or passwords required. Just click, stream and listen. 
We wish you and your loved ones good health, and we hope that listening to a good story will offer some respite during these unsettling times.

All of us at Audible

stories.audible.com
stories.audible.com

Why wash your hands for 20 seconds? 3 video links worth watching


https://youtu.be/-LKVUarhtvE





https://youtu.be/9Ay4u7OYOhA





https://youtu.be/qPoptbtBjkg




The Town of Franklin Coronavirus Information Portal:
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Real time reporting: Town Council - March 19, 2020

Present: Chandler, Hamblen, Dellorco, Mercer, Kelly, Earls, Bissanti, Jones
Absent: Pellegri


1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
3. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
a. Coronavirus Update and Discussion

4. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

  • a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-854: Changes to §185-40. Water Resource District - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-854 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)
kept on agenda to keep process going, otherwise ad expenses would be required to spent again
motion to refer - second, approved 8-0


  • b. Resolution 20-17: Acceptance of Conservation Restriction to Protect Well 3A (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-17 - Majority Vote)

motion to refer - second, approved 8-0

  • c. Bylaw Amendment 20-855: Chapter 82, Water Fee Increase - First Reading (Motion to move Bylaw Amendment 20-855 to a second reading - Majority Vote)
discussion on holding off on the long expected rate increase, bad timing
fees last increased 2 years ago
preference to wait among councilors

con on the water is devastating policy situation; there is a hard ship provision to handle fees, added ambulance fees to that recently

this is to pay off a borrowing payment that this Council had already authorized, there is an $11M dollar contract in jeopardy of default

The con is extremely painful, contractor onsite
This is an enterprise fund, paid for the by the rate payers who use the service

Asking for more explanation on the increases for FY 21 and FY 22
wants to see the plans but forgets that the plans had been reviewed at each step along the way, this is the last step

we have historically done 2 step increase to ensure planning for all parties, employees, contracts, bond rating, auditors, etc.

motion to move to 2nd reading - second, withdrawn

motion to table to our next scheduled meeting (Apr 15), seconded, passed 8-0


  • d. Bylaw Amendment 20-856: Chapter 82, Sewer Fee Increase - First Reading (Motion to move Bylaw Amendment 20-856 to a second reading - Majority Vote)

motion to table to our next scheduled meeting (Apr 15), seconded, passed 8-0

  • e. Bylaw Amendment 20-857: Chapter 82, Trash and Recycling Fee Increase - First Reading (Motion to move Bylaw Amendment 20-857 to a second reading - Majority Vote)

motion to table to our next scheduled meeting (Apr 15), seconded, passed 8-0

Councilor Comments (added to agenda)

social distancing doesn't have to mean social isolation

wave hi to your neighbor, check on folks to see if they are okay

look out for everybody

thanks for participation in stormwater information forums
AgCom collecting chemical opt out, check on the Facebook page

we're resilient, we'll come out in the end

thank you for what you have done, stay safe

Thanks to Chris /Franklin TV for coming out tonight, not our normal night
Our first responders, can't thank you enough

be safe, be smart



5. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 8-0


An updated version has been made available for tonight's meeting
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/march-19-town-council-agenda

FM #226 Virtual Conversation with State Rep Jeff Roy 3/19/20

FM #226 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 226 in the series.

Thanks to Representative Jeff Roy for making some time in his schedule to join me for a virtual conversation about COVID-19 and what’s happening in the state government as he works virtually.

The audio segment runs about 20 minutes, so listen in to my conversation with Representative Jeff Roy  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HNCx93cX


Jeff Roy’s COVID-19 update page (as mentioned) 
https://jeffreyroy.com/covid-19-updates/





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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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/
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"

COVID-19 updates

COVID-19 updates


GATRA Service Update and Dial-a-Ride Information

Press read the attached press release from GATRA regarding service updates and a Dial-A-Ride option for emergency transportation. (Note: FAB = Franklin Area Bus)

"TO THE RESIDENTS OF FOXBOROUGH, FRANKLIN, NORFOLK AND WRENTHAM. 
The Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) Will Be Suspending All Fixed Route Bus Service In Your Towns. The FAB And Tri Town Connector Will No Longer Be In Service As Of Monday March 23,2020 For An Unknown Period Of Time.

However Due To The Serious Situation We Are Facing GATRA Will Be Offering Our Dial-A-Ride Service To All Residents Of Foxborough, Franklin, Norfolk And Wrentham For Critical Transportation Needs Within These Communities.

If Anyone Needs This Reservation Service The Hours And Telephone Numbers Are As Follows:

Monday -Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

800-698-7676. Ext 1


A 24 – 48 Hours Advance Notice Would Be Appreciated. All Vehicles Are Wheelchair Accessible.

GATRA Will Waive All Fares.
Please Be Safe And Follow All Guidelines Set By The CDC And Mass Dept. Of Public Health."

Download or read the full press release PDF
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/press_releasetri_town_and_fab.pdf

Franklin Area Bus
Franklin Area Bus

Representative Jeff Roy: COVID-19 update #3


"I share your concerns about the spread of the Corona virus (COVID-19) and, as you know, new information is coming out regularly. So, I am updating you on the latest news. You can also check the special state website for latest updates at https://www.mass.gov/covid19.

Current cases. In Massachusetts, there are a total of 256 cases of COVID-19, out of the 2,271 individuals that have been tested. For complete details, click here. The state's capacity to test has been expanded so we expect that number to rise as more people get tested.

Unemployment Insurance. Today, the House of Representatives and the Senate voted to pass, and the Governor signed, legislation that grants certain workers a waiver from the one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits. DUA may now pay unemployment benefits if a worker is quarantined due to an order by civil authority or medical professional; or leaves employment due to reasonable risk of exposure or infection, or to care for a family member and does not intend, or is not allowed, to return to work. The worker need not provide medical documentation and need only be available for work when and as able.
 
Emergency regulations are being filed to allow workers to collect unemployment if a workplace is shut down and expects to reopen in four or fewer weeks; and also to waive the one (1) week waiting period for unemployment benefits. For more information and to file a claim, click here. 
Virtual Office hours. My in-person office hours scheduled for this Thursday and Friday this week were cancelled due to the closure of the Franklin Senior Center and the ban on restaurant service. However, we will be conducting virtual office hours on Friday morning (March 20) using zoom.com. To participate, go to https://zoom.us/j/7345161755 and type in this meeting ID: 734 516 1755. I'll be there to answer questions and provide information. If you do not have access to a computer, you can dial in at 1-646-558-8656 and punch in this access code: 7345161755#."

Continue reading Rep Roy's update
https://mailchi.mp/eefb12f4c1b0/ux2l17im8a-2479485

Representative Jeff Roy: COVID-19 update #3
Representative Jeff Roy: COVID-19 update #3

“The fact is this pattern is obviously not sustainable”

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:
"A little less than half of what Franklin Public Schools has requested from the town to fund for its proposed fiscal year 2021 budget will be cut to balance the town’s budget. 
That is what Town Administrator Jamie Hellen told the Town Council on March 4 as he reviewed the town’s FY 21 budget, which shows a $3.484 million deficit. On Wednesday, he announced that public hearings for that budget - originally scheduled for May - have since been postponed to June because of COVID-19 concerns. 
Requesting a $3.9 million increase in town funding for FY21 - about 6% over FY20 - and anticipating a budget gap, the proposed FY21 budget of $68.8 million fills over half of the town’s proposed FY21 budget of $124 million, said Hellen at the meeting. That brings the school budget’s level of service to about 95% of the town’s projected revenue it’s expected to take in the next fiscal year, said Councilman Matt Kelly. 
“It’s a huge chunk of our budget,” he said. “There’s no fluff in this, to be truthful. We came in last year saying we were going to be $3 million and $4 million short, and here we are.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200318/franklin-to-cut-nearly-half-of-requested-town-funding-for-schools-proposed-fy21-budget


Recent podcast with Jamie Hellen

The first of our monthly series with Jamie
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HcQcbQpX

At the Senior Center, where the budget did come up
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HNlMs2bX

Additional info can be found on the Town of Franklin budget page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget


additional info can be found on the Town of Franklin budget page
additional info can be found on the Town of Franklin budget page


FHS Cheerleaders - video from South Regional Championship

At least part of the video of the FHS Cheerleaders performance for the South Regional.


Shared via Twitter  https://twitter.com/FHScheer_/status/1240083894571073542


FHS Cheerleaders - video from South Regional Championship
FHS Cheerleaders - video from South Regional Championship (Twitter photo cropped)