CommonWealth Magazine: SJC upholds Baker's COVID-19 authority; MA moves into high-risk COVID category

From CommonWealth Magazine we share two articles of interest for Franklin: 

 

SJC upholds Baker’s sweeping COVID-19 authority

"THE SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT strongly affirmed that Gov. Charlie Baker’s March 10 declaration of a COVID-19 emergency and his long list of subsequent orders shutting down and opening up parts of the state economy were a proper exercise of his authority under the 1950 Civil Defense Act.

The unanimous decision, written by Justice Elspeth Cypher, examined and dismissed various legal arguments suggesting Baker had exceeded his authority, but there was an undercurrent throughout the opinion of respect for the governor’s actions.

“The emergency orders as a whole were informed by public health recommendations and serve the state interest of stopping the spread of COVID-19, which is a legitimate state interest,” the court wrote.

Cypher, during oral arguments on the case on September 11, reflected the court’s concern about undermining the governor’s legal authority during a time of crisis. “Don’t you have to admit that Gov. Baker has done a pretty darn good job here, especially when you compare him to other states?” she asked."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/sjc-upholds-bakers-sweeping-covid-19-authority/

 

Mass. moves into high-risk COVID category

"THE STATE AS A WHOLE moved into the high-risk COVID-19 category on Thursday as 158 communities were colored red and case counts continued to mount precipitously in Lawrence.

The state as a whole reported 50 cases per 100,000 people over the last two weeks, its highest level since a new, more lenient metric system was implemented on November 6. The state’s positive test rate (positive tests divided by total tests) also hit a new high of 5.25 percent.

The number of high-risk, or red, communities totaled 158, up from 97 a week ago and 62 three weeks ago. There were 92 yellow, or moderate-risk, communities, and a total of 101 in the low-risk green and gray categories."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/mass-moves-into-high-risk-covid-category 

 

And from Sharon Machlis, an avid "data geek", comes this rendering of the COVID-19 map as it would have been with the prior set of guidelines.

"If the Mass Dept of Public Health were still creating maps under the original #Covid19 risk color scale, today's would look like this: More info and graphs on Mass data at http://apps.machlis.com/shiny/ma_corona_virus/"

Boston Globe: "Here’s why vaccinated people still need to wear a mask"

 The Boston Globe has the following:

"The new COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna seem to be remarkably good at preventing serious illness. But it’s unclear how well they will curb the spread of the coronavirus.

That’s because the Pfizer and Moderna trials tracked only how many vaccinated people became sick with COVID-19. That leaves open the possibility that some vaccinated people get infected without developing symptoms and could then silently transmit the virus — especially if they come in close contact with others or stop wearing masks.

If vaccinated people are silent spreaders of the virus, they may keep it circulating in their communities, putting unvaccinated people at risk.

“A lot of people are thinking that once they get vaccinated, they’re not going to have to wear masks anymore,” said Michal Tal, an immunologist at Stanford University. “It’s really going to be critical for them to know if they have to keep wearing masks, because they could still be contagious.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/09/nation/heres-why-vaccinated-people-still-need-wear-mask/

Boston Globe: When can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?

The Boston Globe has the following:

"Governor Charlie Baker on Wednesday laid out Massachusetts’ estimated COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan, with front-line health workers and long-term care residents and staffers first in line and the general public expected to receive the vaccine in April 2021 and after.

The distribution of COVID-19 vaccines is pending the Food and Drug Administration’s emergency use authorization, which is expected in the coming days or weeks. Baker said at a Wednesday press conference that the state expects to receive shipments of COVID-19 vaccines developed by Pfizer and Cambridge-based Moderna.

But if you’re not a health care or long-term care facility worker, or a resident of a long-term care facility, when will you get the vaccine? Here’s what the state is saying, along with answers to some other questions:"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/09/nation/here-is-estimated-covid-19-vaccine-timeline-massachusetts/

Gov Baker's press conference announcing the timeline for distribution of the vaccine https://youtu.be/UFe5N2akvkI

 

You can view the presentation doc at the MA.gov page or here

https://www.mass.gov/doc/ma-covid-19-vaccine-presentation-1292020/download

 

MA COVID-19 Vaccine Presentation from Franklin Matters

 

When can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Learn where you will fit into the COVID-19 vaccine distribution timeline

 

Special Edition Holiday E-Newsletter

Subscribe for News   ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  Franklin Downtown Partnership's Holiday Happenings & Local Gift Guide The Franklin Downtown Partnership has curated a list of local Holiday Happenings as well as a gift guide! Find out what is going on in town this holiday season and where you can pick up or order some fantastic local gifts! Visit the FDP Website for more info or click below! DPW Holiday Trash/Recycling Schedule No trash/recycling collection on Friday, December 25th. Collection is delayed one day and will be picked up on Saturday, December 26th. No trash/recycling collection on Friday, January 1st. Collection is delayed one day and will be picked up on Saturday, January 2nd. All other trash/recycling collections will occur on their regular day of the week throughout the holidays season. Curbside Christmas tree pick up week is January 11 - 15. Franklin Police Department The Franklin Police Department is still collecting toys until December 15th at the police station. We had a very successful "Fill The Cruiser" drive, but we still need help. Gift cards for older children also are very helpful, as they are harder to provide for. Gifts can be dropped off at the front desk at the station on Panther Way. Think Franklin First Gift Cards! In partnership with Dean Bank and the Random Smile Project, we are excited to share our new economic development initiative - Franklin Gift Cards! The perfect shop local gift this holiday season! Learn more about where to purchase and redeem at www.franklingiftcard.com With the winter holidays comes winter storm season... Be in the know and get text alerts from National Grid related to storms and power outages. Visit National Grid's website to enroll in Outage Alerts or text REG to 64743 Town of Franklin 355 East Central Street Franklin, MA 02038 (508) 520-4949 Contact Us

Town of Franklin | 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by traceya@franklinps.net powered by Try email marketing for free today!

School Committee meeting Dec 8, 2020 - recap - K-1 planning, winter sports, updates, re-opening remains a challenge

Quick Recap:

• Sensitivity is high across the community. Parent complained about FHS student representative updates being interpreted by SchComm as reflecting other middle and elementary school students. While trying to be positive, there are issues all around
  
• Superintendent's report (not yet posted to FPS page as of 9 AM 12/10/20)
• Winter sports update as developed by MIAA and task force/subcommittee work summarized and presented by AD Angelo  
• The two policies up for second reading were initially moved to vote together as no one acknowledged any questions for either policy. As the vote commences, D’Angelo raises questions, the motion is modified to vote the two policies separately, D'Angelo votes for one and against the other
• Budget update still quite fluid but some savings being seen in this pandemic world. What happens after the COVID/CARES funding expires Dec 31, 2020 remains unclear as there are so many moving parts. Schools will stay within budget as authorized. Preparation for Finance Committee meeting scheduled for Dec 15 in process
  
• Bringing the K-1 back to in school full time still requires much work to be done to confirm it is possible and what it would cost. Committee and parents disappointed with lack of specificity in the report given the timing of it
• Re-opening in hybrid is still a challenge, tech issues, staffing, time on learning all issues being struggled with, patience is required (yet running short)

Photos captured during the remote meeting and shared with Twitter can be found in one album https://photos.app.goo.gl/YbtL17NvHbPdtLNY6

----
As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #schcomm1208
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcomm1208&src=typeahead_click

• Real time reporting about to begin for the School Committee meeting. https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sc-agenda-12-8-20 agenda doc in link #schcomm1208

Citizens Comment

• FHS Spanish teacher speaks to the long hours of work required, will be taking sick days periodically to keep up with the work (not to be sick) Oak St teacher complaint about lack of school data around COVID-19 spread when so many in school are affected #schcomm1208
• Oak St parent acknowledges that the FHS students don't speak for all the students especially for her 3 where there are so many problems. #schcomm1208

FHS Student representatives

• FHS student representatives, senior class president is only representing his view and that of the upper class, lack of testing for subjects available, more students are not coming in (staying home). Junior class president confirms prior comments, music doing well #schcomm1208
• Harder for underclassmen at FHS to get involved due to nature of this school year. #schcomm1208 

 Superintendent's Report

• DESE recognizes logistical challenges with testing, testing postponed to later in school year. Masks being distributed by State and soon available for Franklin. Portable air purifier
• Units to be distributed to rooms not covered by current plan for UV units. Mention of cyber event (spear phishing) expanding to a cyber position in Technology dept focusing on security. #schcomm1208 tech concerns being reported and addressed, user support on software
• User support on hardware, remote and hybrid; (in other words they are getting swamped and time spent triaging who should do so delays the response) #schcomm1208 since it was human error for spear phishing event, does school side have dual approval to avoid issue
• Superintendent acknowledges that her name is being used in some emails asking for things and training is needed to help avoid issues. Where would funding for new person come from? To be part of the discussion for budget. #schcomm1208 staff wellbeing raised

Winter athletic update

• Moving to winter athletic update. AD Tom Angelo to speak and provide info #schcomm1208 cheer and wrestling moved to later, indoor as well to later. Over 200 students signed up. Hockomock league, all Kelly-Rex competition within the league with exception of girls ice hockey
• Student athletes who test positive must be quarantined at least 14 days and cleared by medical professional before return including a negative test #schcomm1208 no hand shakes, no hi-fives, masks during games... 12 swimmers in pool at time at Y. Max 25 on larger buses
• Directly on bus for travel to pool or gym, from bus to pool or gym, no deviation; assigned seating for athletes for the season. Cleaning between Frosh, JV and Varsity games, Franklin TV to live stream varsity games #schcomm1208 rule modifications for each sport
• Modifications shared previously (will reshare as notes are compiled) most kids designed to eliminate contact between/among participants. #schcomm1208 in rough number more folks and teams in fall season than being set up for now. Thanks for a successful fall season
• "All the credit goes to the coaches, we have the best, the kids are anxious to begin". #schcomm1208 nothing has changed yet based upon Gov Baker's changes announced today. "If they don't know about the rules to abide by, they will know on Monday. We'll do our best"

 Discussion action items

• Moving to Discussion action items https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-policy #schcomm1208 motion to vote on both, held up with late question on the telework policy with other ramifications, redoing motion to take them separately first passes 7-0 via roll call, second passes 6-1(D'Angelo)

Discussion only items

budget update

• Discussion only, budget update with expiration of COVID funding. https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/budget-update-0 solutions program running a deficit but important to keep, bandwidth increase coming Verizon to install, $60K annual for more capacity but less this year

K-1

• Next K-1 some scenarios for bringing students back to in person. Do agree to do so for educational benefits but need to do so when health and safety is feasible. https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/k-1-scenarios (Link was not available on Sunday albeit dated 12/3/20) #schcomm1208
• Class sizes and cohorts would vary by school, could consider alternative locations with schools but that would have a ripple effect. Transportation consideration, lunch consideration (shifts possible). #schcomm1208 3 alternatives offered for review/discussion
• Staff hiring is already an issue, may not be likely to get enough to cover the required cohorts. #schcomm1208 scenario 3 explores half day option for the cohorts, would be coverage for students with existing staff, would have to look at special requirements. Cost for buses
• As well as cleaning during the day between session. More work to do, still working on details incorporating bast practices to provide help with instruction and schedule. #schcomm1208 if there are additional switches, could add another VLA section in grade K,1
• #schcomm1208 Parent survey important data point, how many would move (or not), would like to see survey sooner than later, disappointed on details at building level. Compared to Mr Angelo and how well he presented data on the athletes and sports and still waiting here
• Concern about getting good info from survey. When are we talking about when this could happen? Superintendent doesn't have a date to share #schcomm1208 can it be done? Depends upon the survey # I believe in the instructional quality, don't want to give up, staffing real challenge
• When would the help be available? Too many young kids in tears, developing a dislike for school. We have been problem solving within each building, shifting to more collaboration across the schools. Break time? #schcomm1208 expectations set, may vary by teacher
• k time on learning is different (not required grade per state) 1st grade and other grades are required. Would love to see more info on break time and schedule. It is hard, it is unprecedented, we're hearing from parents kids aren't learning, it is not ok #schcomm1208 out shortly
• Likely within next week to get info before the winter break #schcomm1208 Gov Baker is reducing folks in buildings, and yet we're trying to go the other way. have not yet surveyed staff on this anecdotal but not quantified. What about other implications
• There is concern about different size space standards within the schools. More staffing would be required if there is a 6 foot requirement. Inequity is a big issue. Moving students to another building, how does this work with specials #schcomm1208 would mean reassignment
• There may be a family implication with a K-1 student at one building and other family members elsewhere, would require 2 pickups? Would strive to maintain student with teacher, there could be changes. #schcomm1208 understand complexity, staffing a huge issue
• Can we get an updated personnel status, what's open, etc changes from the last time and bring to date. #schcomm1208 (BTW there were about 80 at meeting start, up to over 170 now) 

Reopening

• DESE counting excludes student positives if they were not "in the building"
• Contact tracing is taking time, other districts have hired in this area, changing guidance from CDC we have not switched to the new guidance DESE also looking at stay tuned. Looking at staff testing for baseline in Jan 2021. #schcomm1208 add building base to district, and %
• Yes they are concerned about pivoting to remote to provide coverage where staff are out in quarantine #schcomm1208 books and library access for VLA vs. hybrid maybe an equity issue? not a lot of books are used in elementary, will see variability there
• Library books not going home over issue of how to sanitize when they come back, #schcomm1208 clarification on 1st graders who can't read (not k students). Parent expressing bristle when "all the kids" is used when the kids vary in response, claiming risk isn't the same
• Parent with 4 kids, came here from Quincy because of the schools, two youngest are struggling a lot. #schcomm1208 teacher reading specialist confirms youngest struggles as they can't do it themselves, reading at 1st grade is not always age appropriate.
• Teacher also chides the SchComm for lack of a comprehensive plan, sports plan was done for them. My kid is getting library books, don't want to get someone in trouble #schcomm1208 the "asynchronous learning time is 100% parent support required" touch screen better than mousepad
• Parent also a teacher with k student the teacher for that student is great, can't image how much time it takes to prepare, multiple invoice recordings on each slide, kid is responding well to it. #schcomm1208 middle school students talking about behavior that isn't good
• Hence another source of stress for teachers, with hybrid model has lost touch with some students, can't always get to those students fully remote. #schcomm1208 survey staff first before going to family members, stress growing daily, over 10 staff quarantined at Oak
• "Remember safety first, we do want to be with kids, that's what we signed up for". #schcomm1208 how are we monitoring staff wellness and wellbeing? Not seeing it. Folks should be mute when not talking (esp SchComm members sneezing)
• Switch from hybrid to VLA may not be easy in case of student with special services, would loose access to regular teachers and support, would need to be part of decision and not sure how that would be covered in survey #schcomm1208 the community is ready to help!
• We have to come together. We are still photo copying packets and packets of info as we don't use a book. #schcomm1208 disappointed with lack of details on the K-1 options; teachers are doing well with what they have, they are available. Pitting parents and teachers against
• Each other. YouTube videos queue up and auto play, concerned about where they could end up without monitoring. #schcomm1208 even the best teacher in the world would be challenged with K in a hybrid environment, echo asynchronous requires parents assistance
• Daughter eager to go to school in Sept and in the last two months has turned and now doesn't want to go. Parent volunteers to do survey, busing shouldn't take prominence in survey, we would drop them off to get them more time in school #schcomm1208
• Parent left her job to stay home with 1 and 2 graders, and the time is required. How would half day work? Put yourself in the kids shoes. #schcomm1208 willing to volunteer; 

presentation plan

• switched to draft presentation plan https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/d._sc_presentation_schedules_2019-present_-_2020-2021.pdf

Information matters

• Budget workshop last week (recording shared) information being gathered to share, budget timeline. Meeting with FinComm next Tuesday Dec 15 Comm relations picking a date to meet; policy meeting Thursday the 17th. DTFA meeting 12/9. #schcomm1208
• New ad-hoc Committee for Superintendent's eval, Tim, Elise, Ann. #schcomm1208 Joint PCC meeting Dec 22, SWAC meeting Dec 15
• #schcomm1208 ECDC update next week, music and art performance updates next week. Student opportunity Act plan due (even though money not forthcoming). 

Consent agenda

• Consent agenda - motion to approve, second, passes via roll call 7-0
• Motion to enter executive session, not to return to open meeting, second, passes 7-0 via roll call #schcomm1208 that's all for tonight, catch you next time!

MIAA statement and sports modifications for Winter

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/miaa-statement-on-winter-sports-and.html

 

FPS COVID-19 Dashboard (updated weekly)

https://www.canva.com/design/DAEPRVkkW0s/Ind7MzRCMkuOSlOGn-9hag/view?website#1

 

Winter sports update summarized by Athletic Director Tom Angelo

Fact vs Fiction from @MassGov

Fact vs Fiction from @MassGov #knowthefacts  

Shared from Twitter:https://t.co/7ysMYrX1TS

 

Fact vs Fiction from @MassGov

CommonWealth Magazine: "Confusion over tax status stymies solar projects"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:

Franklin just recently made an agreement on a solar farm off Spring St, and also changed the bylaws to limit further large scale solar farms.

"AN OUTDATED LAW and a series of rulings by an obscure tax board are throwing the state’s landscape for solar projects into disarray.

The question revolves around whether commercial solar projects should be exempt from paying municipal property taxes. The lack of clarity is threatening to take revenue away from municipal budgets – and stymy the progress of the solar industry, by making some municipal officials hesitant to cut deals with solar developers.

“It’s a confusing landscape, and that’s created a lot of uncertainty for the companies, and there are a lot of questions about how we can get this resolved,” said David Gahl, senior director of northeast state affairs for the Solar Energy Industries Association, a national lobbying group for the solar industry.

Massachusetts legislators are considering passing a law – the subject of lengthy negotiations between municipal officials and solar developers – that would eliminate property tax exemptions to large solar developers. The proposal is in a legislative conference committee that is considering a broader climate change bill.

......

Rep. Jeffrey Roy, a Franklin Democrat, and Sen. Michael Rodrigues, a Westport Democrat, both introduced legislation that would clarify the tax status of solar arrays by limiting the property tax exemption to smaller solar arrays – generally those that produce enough power for the property they are located on. Roy’s language is included in the House version of a climate change bill that is in conference committee.  

Roy’s amendment, which could be changed by the conference committee, would exempt from property taxes only residential solar projects that produce no more than 125 percent of the energy needed to power the property where they are located. (Rodrigues’s proposal would also include commercial solar projects, but it similarly caps eligibility to smaller projects that power their own or an adjacent property.) “It’s just taking it back to what the original legislation was intended to do, to help homeowners power their homes using solar energy,” Roy said. 

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/confusion-over-tax-status-stymies-solar-projects/

Related posts

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/nexamp-shared-solar-farm-information.html

 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/in-news-new-solar-farm-coming-beer.html

solar farm installation at Mount St Mary's Abbey in progress in July 2013

 

“The mission has been to gain full recognition for this group”

 The Boston Globe has the following:

"The MIAA Board of Directors took a crucial first step Wednesday in providing urban schools across Massachusetts a larger voice in high school athletics and other business.

By a 20-0 vote, the board agreed to create an urban schools ad hoc committee to serve as an advisory resource to various MIAA committees. Avery Esdaile, athletic director for Boston Public Schools, addressed the board on behalf of a group of ADs from urban areas across the state, which has been meeting regularly to address challenges and other issues their programs face.

“We want to see the group get to, and ultimately be a resource and utilize the different people and experiences that we have, and help out others in the association,” Esdaile said. "

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/09/sports/miaa-board-directors-agrees-create-urban-schools-ad-hoc-committee/

For more about the MIAA, visit their page  http://miaa.net/miaa/home?sid=38

 

Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA)

CNN and Sesame Street coming together for a Town Hall on the pandemic - Dec 19

CNN and Sesame Street are coming together for a town hall on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. ET to help children and parents understand the latest issues surrounding coronavirus, the vaccine, and celebrating holidays safely.

What questions do your kids have? https://t.co/iwYaLtD9gB

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/CNN/status/1336747511575433218?s=03

 

CNN and Sesame Street coming together for a Town Hall on the pandemic

 

Re-opening rolled back statewide to Phase 3, Step 1

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:

"FOLLOWING SIX DAYS of surging COVID-19 case numbers, Gov. Charlie Baker said on Tuesday that Massachusetts is taking a step backward in its reopening plan.

“We cannot simply wait for the vaccine to get here,” Baker said at a State House press conference. “The rate Massachusetts residents are getting infected and the rate at which they are needing medical care, if all continues to move at this pace, is simply not sustainable over time, and our health care system will be put at risk.”

The governor’s decision means the state as a whole will move on Sunday from Step 2 to Step 1 in Phase 3, a retrenchment that previously had been reserved for communities deemed high risk for COVID-19 three weeks in a row or those that made the decision on their own. Boston and Somerville rank among the latter, while Lawrence, Holyoke, and many other communities fall in the former category."

Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/baker-takes-the-state-back-a-step/

The Boston Globe has the following:

Governor Charlie Baker on Tuesday announced a series of incremental steps to curb the surge of COVID-19 infections, issuing new restrictions on a range of business activities as part of an effort to “build ourselves a bridge to the vaccine,” but stopping short of more forceful mandates.

The frightening trends in the march of the virus — underscored by the 3,627 new cases and 40 additional deaths that were announced Tuesday — mean the state cannot “simply wait for the vaccine to get here,” Baker said. “We have to do more.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/08/metro/baker-moves-all-communities-back-phase-3-step-1/

What closes and what can remain open
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/08/nation/governor-baker-announced-statewide-rollback-phase-3-step-1-reopening-heres-what-that-means/

Governor Baker's press conference where the changes were introduced and discussed with a Q&A:  https://youtu.be/PJUGTR7wLrs

Franklin's COVID-19 information page can be found   https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/coronavirus-information-portal

Franklin's COVID-19 information page

"Adopt a hydrant" program returns with winter weather

Residents and civic groups (Scouts, local youth groups, Franklin High School teams, etc.) can "adopt" a hydrant or hydrants.  

This is intended to be a commitment for the 2020/2021 snow season and can be applied towards student community service hours.  

Visit our website https://www.franklinma.gov/water.../pages/adopt-hydrant to Adopt-A-Hydrant today!

Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/931498886934582/posts/3705771699507273/

"Adopt a hydrant" program returns with winter weather

GATRA Launches Innovative On-Demand Share Service - Dec 15

Passengers Can Book Same Day Trips Through Smartphone App 

The Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Agency (GATRA) is excited to announce the launch of GATRA GO United a flexible and dynamic on-demand microtransit service to operate within the towns of Foxborough, Franklin, Norfolk and Wrentham. 

Similar to ride-hailing services, GATRA GO United uses a smartphone app for riders to schedule customized curb-to-curb microtransit trips. A vehicle will pick up riders and drop them off wherever they wish to travel within the service boundaries. Along the way the shuttle may pick up other passengers who also request a ride (With COVID-19 social distancing protocols in place). This service is wheelchair accessible and all drivers are trained and certified using state and federal guidelines. 

This pilot program will operate within the towns of Foxborough, Franklin, Norfolk and Wrentham as well as portions of the towns of Bellingham and Plainville connecting employment locations, medical facilities and recreational locales. 

The service will start on December 15, 2020 and will be operated on a pilot basis. It will be free through the month of January. The service area map can be found on the GATRA GO United app or on our website, www.gatra.org/gatra-go 

GATRA is partnering with National Express, one of the largest private transportation contractors in the United States and the current operator of GATRA's services in the Franklin and Norfolk Areas. The new service is powered by Next Connect, a new mobility platform developed by National Express in cooperation with Spare, a leading on-demand Transit software provider. 

The new on-demand microtransit service will replace the fixed route bus service in these four towns with a solution that will enhance transportation options for all. To use the new ride share program passengers first need to download the free GATRA GO United app on their smart phone and then request a ride. 

Following a GATRA GO request, the microtransit app will provide passengers with an estimated pick up time, track the bus in real time and alert the person when their ride is about to arrive. GATRA GO United customers do not have to download the app, same day rides can also be requested by calling 800-698-7676. 

Wait time for service pick up will be subject to vehicle availability. GATRA realizes the importance of greater accessibility and mobility in this region and strives to work with their communities to fill public transportation gaps.

https://www.gatra.org/gatra-go-united/ starts Dec 15, 2020

FHS swim fundraiser today at Chipotle

Franklin Families! Take tomorrow (12/09/20) night off from cooking and order out from Chipotle in Franklin Village to support FHS Varsity Swim! From 5-9pm, show this flyer or tell them you’re supporting the team and 33% will go to FHS swim. Thank you!

Shared from Facebook: https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10151510853414995&id=173205529994

FHS swim fundraiser today at Chipotle