Hockomock Area YMCA Holding Sunday Open House - Feb 15th

The Hockomock Area YMCA welcomes everyone in the community to visit its facilities in North Attleboro, Franklin, and Foxboro on Sunday February 15 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm to join free introductory youth classes run by expert YMCA coaches in the Sports, Gymnastics, Enrichment, and Dance programs. In addition, families will enjoy free Open Swim, Child Watch, Kids Gym, and more. This afternoon of family time is designed to support the Y’s belief that healthy living has as much to do with pursuing interests, passions and learning new things as it does with eating healthy and being active.

youth swimmer

“We’re here to surround every child with support, guidance and fantastic chances to discover and learn,” says Jim Downs, VP of Operations. Whether you’re a current YMCA member and want to try something new or prepare for spring swim lessons by being assessed in the water, or you’ve never visited, you will be made to feel welcome.

Half hour classes running throughout the afternoon will include those in Sports like parent-child All-Star Kids and Basketball Skills; in Gymnastics and Dance, including Boys Super Heroes and Princess Dance; and in Arts & Enrichment, including Me, Mommy & Music, Youth Cooking, and Little Wizards. All in the community are invited to attend and sample a variety of the programs available year-round at the Hockomock Area YMCA.

The Y is about youth development: we strive to help children and teens reach their full potential by helping them grow—physically, mentally and socially—from young children into engaged, active members of their communities.

“This event is a great way for kids who have never been in the water or in a sports class to get comfortable with the experience and to begin to develop life skills and interests,” says Downs. “Or, if your child wants to try a new program, you’ll find dozens of options in a fun, supportive environment,” he adds.

gymnast

Through Y programs, kids have the opportunity to find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and memories. And, of course, it’s fun too.

“Over the years, thousands of children have learned lifelong skills at the Y and we are proud to continue to make events like this available,” Downs says. “It’s really part of the important role the Y plays in our community.”

Call or stop by to pick up a schedule of classes that will be offered for kids, age 18 months – 14 years. Signups will be available starting at 12:30 pm on the day of the event. For more information on the February 15 Open House or programs offered at the Y, please call 508-695-7001 | North Attleboro; 508-528-8708 | Franklin; or 508-543-2523 | Foxboro. Or visit hockymca.org.

Locations: 300 Elmwood Street in North Attleboro; 45 Forge Hill Road in Franklin; 67 Mechanic Street in Foxboro

About Hockomock Area YMCA:

The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. With over 33,000 members, half under the age of 18, their promise is to partner and collaborate with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. Their programs and activities emphasize the development of the whole person in spirit, mind, and body and are available to all individuals regardless of their ability to pay.

MBTA: Service change - No Parking after 7:00 PM Saturday

Parking will be prohibited at all MBTA stations parking lots from 7:00 p.m. Saturday, February 14, 2015, until 5:00 a.m. Monday, February 16, 2015 in order to enhance snow clearing efforts.  Due to the impending Blizzard, parking will be prohibited in all MBTA station parking lots from 7:00 p.m. Saturday, February 14, 2015, until 5:00 a.m. Monday, February 16, 2015. All vehicles left in MBTA station parking lots are subject to towing. Last updated: Feb 14 2015 07:12 AM Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/parking/default.asp?id=25318 Sent by the MBTA.

Franklin Station before the major snow falls this winter

News from Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	O'Donnell Reports on Jan '15 Real Estate Activity Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported a mixed bag when it came to real estate activity in Norfolk County for the opening month of January 2015. "On one hand, the lending market had some respectable numbers," Register O'Donnell noted, "January 2015 saw a 19% increase in the number of mortgages recorded. These positive numbers were spurred by continuing low interest rates and an improved economy in eastern Massachusetts," noted Register O'Donnell. However, the number of land documents recorded in Norfolk County this January remained basically flat, totaling 10,040, a 1% decrease from January 2014 numbers. Additionally, the total volume of commercial and residential real estate prices fell 13% in January 2015 compared to the same time last year. Compounding this slide was that average sale price of commercial and residential property fell by 15% to $656,328 based on real estate sold in January 2015 compared to the same time last year. These numbers were somewhat skewed due to two big commercial real estate transactions that took place in Braintree and Brookline in January of 2014. Register O'Donnell also reported that the total number of deeds recorded declined by a modest 5% in January 2015 compared to January of last year. A total of 1,006 deeds were recorded in Norfolk County during January, 2015. Homestead recordings in January 2015 decreased by 8% year over year. A total of 659 Homesteads were recorded this January, compared to 717 in January 2014. Information regarding the Homestead Act, which provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000, can be found on the Registry's website at www.norfolkdeeds.org. "The total number of foreclosure deeds recorded remained flat in January 2015. A total of 20 foreclosure deeds were recorded in January 2015, the same number as the previous January. The Registry continues to work with its partners South Shore Consortium and Neighbor Works Southern Mass to help Norfolk County homeowners who have received a Notice of Foreclosure from a lender," noted O'Donnell. The Register concluded, "I remain cautiously optimistic about the real estate market in Norfolk County. The inclement weather experienced at the end of January did not help our transaction numbers. Despite the challenges faced in January, the mortgage market continues to show small signs of improvements. Barring a downturn in the economy or action taken by the Federal Reserve related to interest rate increases, I hope the improvements in the mortgage market continue." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter @NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, 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, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Forward email Norfolk County Registry of Deeds | 649 High Street | Dedham, | MA | 02026-1831

MBTA: Saturday - service changes // Sunday - service suspension

Saturday

Late Night bus/subway services will not be offered Sat night/Sun morn (Feb 14-15). The last subway trains will depart downtown Boston no later than 12:50 am. 

As part of its preparations for the next major snow storm, the MBTA will not be offering Late Night bus or subway services Saturday night/Sunday morning (February 14-15). 

The last subway trains will depart downtown Boston no later than 12:50 a.m. 

This will allow MBTA personnel to get a jump start on snow-clearing operations and other maintenance activity before 3:30 a.m. (when Late Night service would typically end). 

The MBTA apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.

Last updated: Feb 13 2015 02:45 PM


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Sunday

Due to the impending blizzard conditions, all MBTA services will be suspended Sunday, February 15th. There will be no Subway, Trolley, Commuter Rail, Bus, or Ferry service the entire day.  The MBTA is taking this action to ensure the safety of our customers and employees, which is our top priority. The projected heavy snow and high winds will significantly inhibit the MBTAs ability to deliver safe and reliable service. The suspension of service will also allow MBTA crews to keep clearing snow and ice from tracks, the third rail and switches. A decision about the status of service for Monday will be made Sunday. Last updated: Feb 13 2015 05:24 PM Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/winter/ Sent by the MBTA.  screen grab of  MBTA webpage

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 2/13/15-2/19/15

FRI 2/13   1:30pm   Adult Coffee and Craft: Fabric Memo Board at Franklin Public Library
FRI 2/13   6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked at Franklin Art Center
FRI 2/13   7pm-10pm   Middle School Winter Dance for 5-8th graders at Tri-County HS in Franklin
FRI 2/13   8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena

SAT 2/14   8pm   Black Box Jazz Series: April Hall Quartet

TUE 2/17   1pm   Liquid Nitrogen Demonstrations by Chris Towle at Franklin Public Library - grades K and up

WED 2/18   10:30am-12pm   Winter Carnival at Franklin Public Library: games, prizes, music, face painting and more!
WED 2/18   7-8:30pm   Small Business Marketing Co-Op - First Public Meeting at The Cake Bar. Small Business owners as well as consumers are welcome to attend this brainstorming session.

THU 2/19   6:30pm   Ken Gloss: Value of old and rare books, at Franklin Public Library
THU 2/19   6:30pm   Open Mic Night at The Cake Bar, FREE admission, acoustic and a cappella performers are welcome!

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Attn Parents: Kindergarten Registration - Apr 13 and Apr 15

The Franklin Public Schools announces

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION!

April 13^th      4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

April 15^th      4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Horace Mann Middle School – Cafeteria

224 Oak Street, Franklin

Children who will be 5 years-old on or before August 31, 2015 are eligible to attend kindergarten during the 2015-16 school year. 

Parents or guardians should plan to attend one of the two registration sessions, however children need not attend. 

Required forms as well as additional information can be found on the ECDC website http://franklinecdc.vt-s.net/pages/index  or by contacting Kelty Kelley, ECDC Principal @ 508 541-8166 or kelleyk@franklin.k12.ma.us.

Oak St - Horace Mann on a summer day

Kelty Kelley, Principal

F. X. O'Regan Early Childhood Development Center

224 Oak Street

Franklin, MA 02038

Phone:  508-541-8166

Fax:            508-541-8254

kelleyk@franklin.k12.ma.us

"There is no hand so small that it cannot leave an imprint on the world!" Klub Kidz

“We don’t notice things like that"

A School Committee member this week blasted a policy change to allow schools to accept memorials for current or former students who have died, saying he doesn't believe the district should single out people for remembrance. 

Trevor Clement, who has served on the committee for two years, said Tuesday he’d vote against the change because “no one person, especially in death, especially after they’ve gone, is more important, more worth remembering.” 

The proposed revision was spurred by a local family’s attempt to gift a $15,000 panther sculpture to the high school in remembrance of their daughter. 

Brad and Rita Graci have offered a permanent memorial to the high school in memory of their daughter Kristin Graci, a 2007 Franklin High graduate who died in 2010 at the age of 21 from complications of leukemia.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150213/NEWS/150218351/1994/NEWS#sthash.Om4Q3rHP.dpuf


You can view the video replay of the School Committee meeting here
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?ecm=635594037975271250&indexSessionSKU=xp620LQTRMrfBFRQ12z8sA%3D%3D&siteSKU=L7qhQ46xin/r3Z0jcDVCNw%3D%3D

image of the porposed Graci Class of 2007 Memorial

You can review my notes of the meeting reported from the Council Chambers Tuesday evening
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/02/live-reporting-discussion-only-items.html

The text of the policy documents can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/02/franklin-public-schools-memorial-policy.html

FHS girls basketball tops Milford, face Mansfield Friday night

From Hockomock Sports we find the girls basketball result from Thursday:

Milford, 30 @ Franklin, 74 - Final - Aubrie Kutil led the way for the Panthers with 14 points, all in the first half. Lauren Rudolph added 11 points and Jill Spolidoro had 10. Franklin jumped out to a 48-14 lead at halftime.

FHS Panthers

For additional results from the Hockomock League on Thursday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-021215


On tap today, Mansfield visits Franklin for the girls game at 6:30 PM and the boys play at Mansfield in the Hockomock League "game of the week" also at 6:30 PM

http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-021315

Reminder: Soccer for Smiles Tournament --> February 17 - 19, 2015

Have Fun While Making a Difference!

Our next tournament is coming up quickly!

February 17, 18, and 19, 2015

Even though the tournament runs for three days, a player's commitment is just a couple of hours on one particular day. High schoolers come on one day, younger girls on the next day, and younger boys on the third day. The day is split by age groups in 2- or 3-hour blocks of time. It is great fun!


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Soccer for Smiles crew

A group of students in Franklin, Massachusetts got together in the wake of the 2010 earthquake inHaiti motivated to do something to help.  A soccer tournament was developed over February's school vacation that provided an opportunity for soccer players to have a lot of fun in friendly competition.  The event raised a significant amount of money that was donated to the relief fund for Haiti.  The Soccer For Smiles tournament was born.

In subsequent years the team has focused on local charities with the majority of monies raised going toward the Random Smile Project.  The group has also supported Team Isabella.  Each year the tournament has grown in participation and donations.  The team of students has grown and changed as older team members move on to college and new students join in the effort.

2015 Beneficiaries

This year we will direct our donations to support two initiatives:

1.                Kathleen M. Madden Scholarship

This past year, Kathleen M. Madden passed away, losing a battle to Inflammatory Breast Cancer. She was very close with many of us at Soccer for Smiles.

In her honor, we have created a scholarship in her name, which will be awarded to an applicant that we believe demonstrates outstanding involvement in his or her community.

2.                Random Smile Project

In the last four years we have donated thousands of dollars to the Random Smile Project (RSP) as we are pleased with their mission.

Soccer for Smiles Tournament

RSP provides a bridge of support to people going through difficult times. Families in need are provided with clothing, groceries, books, and toys through a network of local support. Accessibility options for those in need are supplied through their construction and renovation projects like wheelchair ramps, handicap bathroom conversions and home repair. They also award the unsung heroes in our community who put themselves second and others in need before them. They inspire volunteerism in the youth of our community through scholarships, playground initiatives and school outreach programs. Through these efforts RSP promotes the spirit of giving and receiving that reflects the greater good of what a community really is.

RSP is a community non-profit organization. They have zero paid employees. Everyone associated with RSP donates their time, trades, and skill sets. Since they have no salaries and very limited overhead, you can be assured that your donation will go a long way in their various community endeavors.

For additional information and to register, please follow this link

http://soccerforsmiles.org/

A Safety Reminder From National Grid

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A Safety Reminder from National Grid: Be sure to avoid power lines when clearing snow and ice As snow accumulations continue to mount across New England and with more snowfall likely in the coming days, National Grid is urging customers to take precautions to avoid the potential hazards these conditions present. Massive amounts of snow and ice building up on roofs and piled beneath power lines are serious and potentially dangerous. Snow on roofs can lead to water damage and, in some cases, can cause roofs to collapse. Large piles of snow under power lines can bring the tops of those mounds, which children frequently use for sledding, dangerously close to energized power lines. In both cases, the chance of being injured by coming in contact with power lines increases and snow and ice build-up on roofs can damage electric service lines running to homes and businesses. National Grid is urging home and business owners to be especially cautious as they work to clear their roofs by following these safety recommendations: • Keep all ladders, shovels, roof rakes and other devices well clear of any lines coming from the street to the structure, regardless of material. In extremely wet conditions, even wood can be a conductor of electricity. • If necessary, start clearing snow from the opposite end of the roof from the service point where electricity is delivered. • If you are unsure of how to go about clearing snow, or if your roof is particularly steep, contact a qualified roofing contractor. • As snow is removed from the roof, be aware of what is below that could become buried as snow hits the ground. Be especially mindful of the location of your electricity and gas meters as they could be damaged by falling snow and ice. You should also be aware that heavy snow loads could damage the connections of your electricity service to your home or building, often known as the weatherhead. As snow melts or is removed, look at this connection point from a safe distance to be sure it hasn't been pulled away from the building, creating a potential fire hazard. National Grid is responsible for repairs to the overhead lines to the weatherhead, and the meter itself. Repairs to any other portions of the service are the responsibility of the customer. If any of that service is damaged, customers should contact a certified electrician to handle the repairs. Please see our website for more information about post-storm responsibilities. As we brace for the possibility of more storms over the coming days, remember that National Grid provides several ways for you to stay connected: • Download our mobile app by searching for National Grid in iTunes and GooglePlay stores. • To register for broadcast text alerts for major storms, text the word "STORM" to NGRID (64743). • Visit the Outage Central section of our website where you can view outage maps, access important safety tips and report outages. Alternatively, our mobile website can be accessed by going to nationalgrid.com on your mobile device and selecting "View safety and outages." • Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@nationalgridus) for the latest updates. National Grid Here with you. Here for you.   Connect Now Visit us online at nationalgrid.com

This email was sent by: National Grid 40 Sylvan Road Waltham, MA, 02451, U.S.A.