Register O'Donnell Announces 2023 Holiday Food Drive November 14th through December 14th

The cost of living has become increasingly challenging for many individuals and families across Norfolk County, making it difficult to afford basic necessities such as food, which can be especially difficult during the holiday season when the pressure to provide for loved ones is heightened.  Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell is asking people to take a moment to contribute to the Annual Registry of Deeds Food Drive, starting Tuesday November 14th and running through Thursday December 14th.

 

“There is no doubt that Norfolk County is a desirable place to live and to work. However, there are people throughout the county who are truly hurting. This year, we, as a community, have seen a rising demand for food assistance, and it is crucial that we come together to support those in need. By participating in the Annual Registry of Deeds Food Drive, we can make a significant impact this holiday season,” said Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell.

 

Register O'Donnell Announces 2023 Holiday Food Drive 
November 14th through December 14th

Today, according to the latest Project Bread statistics, 18.8% of households in Massachusetts are considered food insecure. Furthermore, 21.9% of children in the state are also considered food insecure. The increasing cost of housing and food are likely factors that contribute to the rising rates of food insecurity. ​

 

Register O'Donnell noted. “As the holidays approach, there is definitely a need for more food assistance. Household expenses are higher due to the cost of home heating fuel, food bills, and increased interest rates. Some Norfolk County families are hit harder by these increased costs and worry about putting food on the table this holiday season. So, let us be mindful during this Thanksgiving season that others may need our help.”

 

Non-perishable food items can be brought directly to the Registry of Deeds, which is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. A donation bin will be set-up in the Registry's lobby and food can be dropped off Monday through Friday between 8:00AM to 4:30PM. Suggested donations include canned goods, breakfast cereals, pasta, sauces, toiletries, and paper products.

 

“We (Interfaith Social Services) are experiencing a 30% increase in the demand for food assistance which is the heist it has been in our 53 years of operation,” said Rick Doane, Executive Director for Interfaith Social Services in Quincy. “We would be extremely grateful for any assistance that the local community could provide.”

 

If you can't get to the Registry of Deeds building to drop off food, you can check the Registry website at www.norfolkdeeds.org for a pantry location in your community.

 

“Working together, we can truly make a huge difference this holiday season,” concluded Register O'Donnell. “By supporting each other and being mindful of those in need we can help those struggling with food insecurity, because no one should go hungry, especially during this time of year. I ask that we all embrace the true meaning of the Thanksgiving by showing compassion and generosity towards all.”

 

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities, and others with a need for secure, accurate, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Senator Rausch schedules Central Region Town Hall on October 30 at Norfolk Public Library

View this email in your browser Dear Franklin Resident, A quick reminder to please join me and my team at our upcoming Town Hall in the Central Region of our district this coming Monday, October 30 at 6pm at the Norfolk Public Library. We will give some legislative and other updates from Beacon Hill, and chat about your questions, comments, and ideas. Residents from any part of the district are invited to attend. We will be joined by our partners in local government and State Representative Marcus Vaughn. I hope to see you there. Senator Rausch schedules Central Region Town Hall When: October 30, 2023 at 6pm (doors open at 5:45pm) Where: Norfolk Public Library, 2 Liberty Lane As always, if you are a constituent and need assistance, please don't hesitate to call me and my team at (617) 722-1555, email me at becca.rausch@masenate.gov, or attend upcoming office hours. We are here to help. Yours in service,     Senator Becca Rausch    Sign up for a 15-minute appointment here Our mailing address is: The Office of Senator Becca Rausch Massachusetts State House, Room 215 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133

Cactus and Succulent Festival - Sep 16 & 17

The Cactus and Succulent Society of Massachusetts will be presenting its 17th Annual Cactus and Succulent Festival on Norfolk Town Common and also in the Norfolk Library over the weekend of September 16th and 17th. 

The Festival is open on Saturday from 9 AM until 4 PM and on Sunday from 10 AM until 2 PM. Admission is Free. The First 50 attendees on each day will receive a free cactus or succulent plant! While the Show is on both Saturday and Sunday, the Sale is only on Saturday.

On display will be hundreds of striking cacti and succulents. Often referred to as living sculptures, cacti and succulents are truly exotic plants. From as small as a pebble to as big as a house, these plants have devised many ways to deal with blazing hot deserts, freezing mountains, and impenetrable jungles.

The Festival will also feature more than 25 Horticultural Vendors and a Farmer’s Market. So attendees can treat themselves to fresh produce and exotic plants all in one beautiful location – Norfolk, Mass.

For more information, check out the Massachusetts Cactus and Succulent Society website at CSSMA.ORG or on Facebook.

Download this flyer as a reminder or to share -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JDDvcFQS29WnOCXObsF7dfqSjEoKUz6L/view?usp=drive_link

Cactus and Succulent Festival - Sep 16 & 17

Finance Committee Budget Hearing #2 gets to hear from Norfolk Aggie, Tri-County & Franklin Public Schools (audio)

FM #995 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 995 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting and second of three budget hearings for the FY 2024 budget year. The meeting was held on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. 

All 9 members of the Finance Committee participated; 7 present in the Council Chambers, 2 remote. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Comptroller Chris Sandini, Treasurer/Collector Kerri Bertone. 

Norfolk Agriculture & Tri-County covered their budgets and answered questions followed by the Franklin School budget. 

Quick recap:

• John Martin, Superintendent Norfolk Aggie; John Wallace, Business Manager, Norfolk Aggie

• Norfolk Aggie, 365 acres, inc in 1916 first campus in Weymouth #fincom0510 four courses of study, explore frosh and soph year then choose major for junior and senior studies

• Animal science is the most popular of the four studies, about 560 total, 16 students from Franklin this year, 3 seniors, applications are open for next year

• 40 students from Boston making it the largest sending community. There is demand for the programs, they do have a wait list

• Karen McGuire, Tri-County Superintendent, presenting along with Dan Haynes,  Business Manager

• Should hear in June about the final cost of the proposed building replacement, and then in August on what MSBA will provide for reimbursement, assuming they do. At that time, the 11 sending communities have 120 days to vote to approve the building proposal

• How the individual communities fund the cost is up to them, cost allocation based upon sending students

• Franklin’s budget was presented by Supt Lucas Giguere, Business Manage Miriam Goodman, School Cmte budget subcmte Chair Dave McNeill

The meeting recording runs about 1 hour and 55 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting May 10, 2023.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-995-finance-cmte-budget-hearing-2-05-10-23

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

Meeting agenda document ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-05-10_finance_committee_agenda_2.pdf 

FY 2024 budget information -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials 

My notes ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gsupUzfumR385d7qcgklxMfI7enZjmVU/view?usp=share_link 

Link to Finance Committee => https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee 

YouTube recording =>  https://www.youtube.com/live/1-4GwOsbRNc?feature=share 

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album -> 

For Tri-County slides -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/6akR6TvwSyrYvkFh6 

For FPS slides -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/2WYTBKhpxisJFUuT9 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

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/ or www.franklin.news/

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"

Tri-County budget is very similar to Franklin's in regards to salary & benefits as percent of total budget

Finance Committee gets to hear from Norfolk Aggie, Tri-County & Franklin Public Schools (video)

The Franklin Finance Committee met for the second of their 3 budget hearings on Wednesday, May 10 at 7 PM. Schools were the topic for the evening. The FinCom heard for the first time from Norfolk Aggie, got an update from Tri-County, and spent the most time trying to understand the Franklin schools systemic budget issue.

The third and final hearing takes place on Thursday, May 11 also scheduled for 7 PM.

Presentation documents for Tri-County and Franklin Public Schools are scheduled to be added to the Town page. Once those links are identified, they'll be added here. In the meantime, photos capturing the slides used are available.

a. Education:

i. 395 Norfolk County Agricultural School  FY 2024 budget -> 

https://cms5.revize.com/revize/norfolkcountyma/FY24%20Norfolk%20County%20Budget%20V3%204-12-23.1.pdf

ii. 390 Tri-County Regional Vocational School District  FY 2023 budget ->  https://tri-county.us/budgets-financial-documents/

iii. 300 Franklin Public School District  -> FY 2024 -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/fy24budget

Franklin TV Video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/1-4GwOsbRNc?feature=share

Tri-County update ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/6akR6TvwSyrYvkFh6

FPS update ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/2WYTBKhpxisJFUuT9

one slide from the Tri-County update to the FinCom on Weds

FM #531 - Finance Cmte Budget Hearing #4 - 05/04/21 (audio)

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Finance Committee, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, the remainder were remote along with the public via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this agenda. 

Let’s listen to this budget hearing on the three school budgets Franklin K-12, Tri-County, and Norfolk Aggie

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7caf826b-e92e-401c-923b-d6e3391c7961

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

• May 4 Agenda  = Schools

 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-05-04_finance_committee_agenda_.pdf

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

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/  or www.franklin.news/

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"

 

FM #531 - Finance Cmte Budget Hearing #4 - 05/04/21 (audio) 

Recap: Finance Committee approves FY 2022 budget as proposed

Quick Recap:

• Last of the 4 budget hearings scheduled for Finance Committee to preview the FY 2022 budget before the Town Council gets it later this month. Generally good questions asked, answers received, not always telling complete story that should be told
  
• What should you know? Schools get almost 50% of their budget from State Chap 70 funding which is about $11M more than we should under the revised Student Opportunity Act. The Town participation in school funding is expected to increase over the next several years (at least until the excess 11M is reduced). "This dynamic is the future decade for Franklin."
• So forget about OPEB (there is a plan to resolve it) The largest issues on the town front on the school budget and stormwater funding. If we don't fix the stormwater funding (first), the school issue will become more severe (and nevermind how they determine to redistrict, the issue is here - redistricting is not going to save that much money)
• Funny how all the parents upset about possible school budget cuts have disappeared from meeting participation. They should be paying attention now. 
• Only one vote by FinCom to approve the whole general fund and enterprise accounts to pass along to the Town Council who are scheduled to do their cursory review on May 26-27.
  

----

 

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  #fincom0504

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23fincom0504&src=typeahead_click

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album   https://photos.app.goo.gl/7aWLKfP4xhrHqSbG9

The agenda for this meeting can be found
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-05-04_finance_committee_agenda_.pdf

• Last of the 4 #FinCom0504 budget hearings coming up at 6:30 PM - this one features, the three school budgets; Franklin K-12, Tri-County, and Norfolk Aggie. Then the FinCom gets down to voting to approve/adjust as they see fit. What will it be? Follow and find out
• The agenda for the #fincom0504 meeting, includes connection info (via Zoom) - meeting also available via Verizon/Comcast cable and live stream from http://Franklin.TV   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-05-04_finance_committee_agenda_.pdf
• Meeting opens #fincom0504
• Starting with coverage of the tri-county and Norfolk Aggie budgets with line item coverage, an assessment beaded up Franklin student enrollment in those institutions. #fincom0504. Follow along with https://franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/a1-town-administrator-recommended-budget-voting-document-budget-book and next link ->
• Schools budget doc to follow along https://franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/b1-school-department-executive-summary-fy22 #fincom0504 Schools did adjust budget by $700k+ to meet town allocation by prepaying some accounts
• Trend of lower enrollment due to COVID not like other communities, less here, more there. Still on downward trend in elementary overall. Watching carefully for fall #fincom0504 graduation 400+ incoming class size more 300 odd
• Q the out of district tuition? How flat if an increase expected? Some students aging out which reduces but the rate is increase so there is an offset. Prepay will eventually create a "cliff" but not there yet, MA laws allow for prepay in private placements #fincom0504
• Students supported by law through age up to 22. If we can provide enough service in district, then we need to go out. About 80-85 students in out of district. #fincom0504 internet upgrade to support remote learning, most of increase is for 10G line as well as split ->
• Of cyber security share with town side, as previously discussed. Anticipating that the state will not allow full remote learning come fall so no increase anticipated there #fincom0504
• Q on additional staff at central office, one person spot adding in replacement of Dr Edwards, her slot will support both as well, offset of some of the stipends previously used #fincom0504 curriculum development focus, reporting to Lucas Giguere
• Redistricting study is a continuation of the facilities plan, how should we use space in the district. The prior studies were done pre-pandemic. To develop a road map of what to do and when. #fincom0504 do you have any reserves aside from revolving funds?
• Do not have stabilization fund! Do use the revolving funds as necessary but the policy is usually for a year on hand. This avoids the check in, check out process. Lifelong learning is one key area visible and impacted by revolving funds. #fincom0504
• They do adjust yearly. These are all meant to be self supporting programs. Buses, sports, lifelong learning, etc. Q how has declined ridership affect busing expense? #fincom0504 adjusted contract with vendor to run fewer buses riders down about 1/3, usually about 3000 students
• Saw savings in contract but lost revenue more than the savings #fincom0504 did end up with revolving funds worth more than the one year policy requirements. FTE is calculated at working the 35 hours. Teachers don't get paid hourly, they're paid over the 180 days
• Q refresh on circuit breaker? State sets a threshold, and if we pay more than the state can reimburse the excess portion at about 75% #fincom0504 student opportunity act is not beneficial to use compared to others, we are a minimum aid Community
• We receive $11m excess (2nd only to Boston) and until that 11 decreases we won't get much more. We do anticipate get help with circuit breaker and transportation but not from per pupil (only $30/year). Town contribution will increase from 71% over next several years
• No major increase in chap 70, generally flat. State funding for schools is approx 50% of what they have. #fincom0504 "this dynamic is the future decade for Franklin".
• One vote on all general and enterprise fund budgets motion made, seconded passes 9-0 #fincom0504 Adjournment, seconded approved 9-0 And in case you missed it, there was no allowance for any Community comments during the discussions
• That's all for tonight, catch you next time - Three meetings back to back on Weds 5/5/21, Board of Health, capital budget Subcommittee, and Town Council. Agendas posted on Town and http://www.franklin.news pages #fincom0504

 

Recap: Finance Committee approves FY 2022 budget as proposed

Good Deeds: Women of Norfolk County

Aly Raisman

Sunita Williams

Abigail Adams

The month of March we take the time to recognize the impact and importance women have in our society with Women’s History Month.  All of us should be well aware of the importance of women to society, to the shaping of the country we all live in and in our history.  Norfolk County which dates back to 1793 when Governor John Hancock, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, signed legislation establishing the county, has been the home to many remarkable women.  I would like to share with you some of the stories found as a result of researching records here at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds.

Abigail Adams the second First Lady of the United States was born right here in Norfolk County.  She was born in Weymouth in 1744.  She married John Adams in 1764.  She was President Adam’s confidant and took an active role in politics and what was happening in the country.  She was an abolitionist and believed in women’s rights to education and for women to have power and decision over their own lives.  Abigail Adams’s son John Quincy Adams would become the sixth President of the United States.  She is buried with her husband in Quincy.

Deborah Sampson lived in the Norfolk County town of Sharon.  Born in 1760 she attempted to enlist as a man in an Army Unit.  Although discovered and sent home Ms. Sampson later enlisted again and joined the 4th Massachusetts Regiment.  She was wounded in battle fighting in the American Revolutionary War and received an honorable discharge.

A more modern warrior who I had the pleasure of meeting down at the Falmouth Road Race is American astronaut Sunita Williams.  Sunita grew up and graduated high school in Needham in 1983.  She went on to graduate from the United States Naval Academy.  She has had a lengthy and successful career with NASA and formerly performed the most spacewalks by a woman.  Ms. Williams also completed the first marathon run in space.  In 2017 the Needham School Committee voted to name the new elementary school the Sunita L. Williams Elementary School.

Speaking of Falmouth, Katherine Lee Bates was born there in 1857 but did you know she lived in Wellesley.  Ms. Bates was a noted author whose inspiration for “America the Beautiful” was the beauty she saw atop Pike’s Peak when hiking in Colorado.  These words were later adapted to a hymn that was the runner up in selecting the National Anthem.

Helen Keller was an advocate for the disabled and a suffragette.  At a young age she contracted an illness that left her blind and deaf.  When you think of Helen Keller you also think of her magnificent teacher and champion Anne Sullivan.  Both of these great and strong women lived in the Norfolk County town of Wrentham.  Helen Keller’s autobiography “The Story of My Life” and later the movie “The Miracle Worker” give great insight into overcoming struggles, compassion and the brilliance of these two women.

Norfolk County is full of women who everyday make our communities a great place to live.  For instance, Doctor Helen P. Cleary who joined the United States Marines in 1942 and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel became the first woman to be elected to the Town of Norfolk’s Board of Selectman. This happened in 1965 and the journey of electing women to leadership positions continues today with the first woman Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris.

Norfolk County has been the home to other inspiring and impactful women.  Harriet L. Hemenway from Canton co-founded the Massachusetts Audubon Society in 1896.  Audie Cornish a journalist and National Public Radio news anchor grew up in Randolph, Massachusetts.  Norfolk County can claim entertainers from actress Mindy Kaling via Wellesley who also produced the show “The Office” to noted Broadway and film star in the 1960’s and 70’s Lee Remick who was born and lived in Quincy.  The strength and grace of Needham’s Aly Raisman to be an Olympian Captain and to win numerous Olympic medals is inspirational enough.  Yet Ms. Raisman’s bravery and eloquence speaking out as a survivor to stop sexual abuse which led her to be a recipient of the Arthur Ashe Courage Award should be a shining example to all of us.

It is great to recognize and be mindful of the women in our society and all that they have accomplished.  Let us take a moment to thank all women who have had impacts in our communities and in our lives.  Our lives, our communities, our county and our country would not be what it is without all of you.