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

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

“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

FHS Cheerleaders - video from South Regional Championship

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

South Regional Grand Champs with a 93.9! #macheer2020 pic.twitter.com/qgNIdxZ59R

— FHS CHEER (@FHScheer_) March 18, 2020

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

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

Town of Franklin: updates on Library, Online services, recreational spaces

Via the Twitterverse:

"We are now increasing our curbside delivery to items available on our shelves! Check the Library's catalog at http://find.minlib.net/iii/encore/?lang=eng… . Give us a call at 508-520-4941 during our modified business hours (Monday-Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm). We will check out up to five items per card."

https://twitter.com/FrkPublicLib/status/1239943700513464320?s=20

"The Town of Franklin is open for business, with adjustments made for the safety of our staff and community. Please see the options that are available for bill pay, census forms, dog licensing, etc... below. Our online licensing portal is always open."

https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1240284548308533248?s=20

"In efforts to encourage social distancing recommendations, the Town of Franklin is closing ALL recreational facilities (parks, playgrounds, etc.) to the public. With growing concerns of COVID-19, it is of the utmost importance to follow guidelines to mitigate the spread."

https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1240328191123865601?s=20

Town of Franklin: updates on Library, Online services, recreational spaces

Mamma Maria’s Care Packages

Gearing up for the launch of Mamma Maria’s Care Packages! 📦💕

We are so excited to implement this program to provide relief for our community and honor our Mamma Maria by helping those who are feeling lost in this time of need.

We know, even in Heaven, our Angel Mamma Maria does not want any families to go hungry or make sacrifices in order to put food on the table, including our staff.

Our Primavera Team will be Mamma’s Angels carrying out her Legacy of making sure everyone is fed. Please help our staff and community continue Mamma’s Legacy by:

1. Ordering Takeout (Wednesday-Sunday, 11:30 AM - 7:30 PM)
2. Fund a Care Package ($30 or more)
3. Pick up & Deliver a Care Package (for your family or someone else in need)
4. Spread the word and help us get more meals to people in need
5. Direct us to people in need so we can bring them meals anonymously

Via the Senior Center and Primavera, Millis   (508) 376-2026
http://www.primav.com/caffesite/index.html

Mamma Maria’s Care Packages

Facebook post by Primavera has additional info

FHS' Fenerty, Powderly recognized by Hockomock League for Girls Indoor Track All Stars

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


HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP

• Lily Wetherbee, North Attleboro

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

• Jill Fenerty, Franklin

Honorable Mentions

• Samantha Powderly, Franklin

You can read the full listing of  Girls Indoor Track All Stars

https://hockomocksports.com/2020-hockomock-league-girls-indoor-track-all-stars/

FHS' Fenerty, Powderly recognized by Hockomock League for Girls Indoor Track All Stars