In the News: Mount Ida sale create issues; GoFundMe for Sewell exceeds target

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Uxbridge High senior Jenna Rosado skipped class on Monday to meet with a guidance counselor, trying to determine her future after hearing news that Mount Ida College, her first choice, was being sold to UMass. 

Mount Ida abruptly announced last week it will close at the end of this semester and become Mt. Ida Campus of UMass Amherst and will operate as an extension of the Amherst campus. According to a statement, the new campus will not enroll undergraduate students directly, potentially displacing 1,450 students and about 200 faculty members. 

This fall would have been the start of Rosado’s freshman year. 

Rosado preferred Mount Ida for interior architecture and design, a combination that is nearly impossible to find in New England, she said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180409/local-mount-ida-students-outraged

"The Franklin High School community is mourning the death of senior James Walter Sewell III after he died in a car crash on Saturday night. 

Sewell dropped off a friend before being fatally ejected from his vehicle after hitting a pole in Bellingham. According to reports on the teenager’s death, friends said he seemed tired on the night of the incident, indicating the crash was a tragic accident. 

A GoFundMe page was set up for his family, and by Monday afternoon, had already surpassed a goal of $20,000."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180409/late-franklin-teens-fundraising-page-surpasses-goal

The GoFundMe page can be found here
https://www.gofundme.com/james-walter-sewell-iii

James Walter Sewell III

If the FTC claims to be asking for access to your computer? It’s a scam

FTC asking for access to your computer? It's a scam. by Andrew Johnson Consumer Education Specialist, FTC Scammers pretending to be with the FTC or with FTC refund administrators are calling, asking for remote access to your computer. It's been reported that the scammers are calling specifically about the FTC's Advanced Tech Support refund program. Their goal is to make you think you are moments away from getting money that's owed to you – and, to get the money, all you need to do is allow them to connect to your computer. It's a scam.  Read more This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

Join us at the 10th Mass Poetry Festival

View this email in your browser It's Time to Plan Your Festival Weekend! Make a schedule. Buy buttons. Join our Headline Poets Sonia Sanchez · Kaveh Akbar · Duy Doan  Jeffrey Harrison · Dorianne Laux · Erika Meitner Carl Phillips · Nicole Sealey Sean Thomas Dougherty · Rhina P. Espaillat A Letter from the Festival Director Has it been 10 years, already? Yes, it has -- and the Massachusetts Poetry Festival is back again with 10 nationally recognized, and award-winning poets headlining three days and nearly 100 different programs, including poetry readings, workshops, music, and more. Meet with poets, writers, and publishers at our small press and literary fair, or engage them in conversation at one of many sessions held throughout the weekend. Surround yourself with what's good—you may be surprised, and you may surprise yourself. Please join us for this special 10th year. Are you a first timer? Never been to Salem? Watch this video to see why Salem loves the Mass Poetry Festival! Raining Poetry for the 2017 Mass Poetry Festival Salamander 25th Anniversary Reading Saturday May 5, 2:00pm-3:00pm, The Bridge at 211 Join Ben Berman, Danielle Legros Georges, and Kelle Groom as they commemorate SALAMANDER's 25th anniversary. Poets on Autism: Hope in the Helicopter Rain Saturday May 5, 12:15pm-1:15pm, PEM Connect BLDG Sean Thomas Dougherty · Kamilah Aisha Moon · Oliver de la Paz As poets, we face the double danger of the sentimental and the exoticization of their disability. This panel will address how do poets negotiate the topic and portraiture of autism. Each panelist will read a small selection of poems that they have written about their own autistic children or siblings, and speak to the difficulties of writing these poems. How do we speak our joys, fears, love in language whose intent is to nurture, to elevate, to challenge, and to sing. Workshops are still available! Be inspired. Try something new. Surprise yourself. We have space available in a variety of workshops. You can generate new work, talk about craft with poets and poetry lovers, or ask that question about poetry you've always wanted to ask.  If you love the work we do to support poets and spread the power of poetry to students, T riders, and more, please consider supporting us with a recurring monthly donation. Donate Now Copyright © *2017* *Mass Poetry*, All rights reserved.

FM #142: Ben's Books return to the Franklin Library (audio)

FM #142

This internet radio show or podcast is number 142 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording is of the brief ceremony at the unveiling of the new display case for Benjamin Franklin’s books. The case was ordered as part of the Library renovation project was delayed in delivery but the books were safely installed this week. The ceremony was held on Sunday, April 8, 2018.

The ceremony itself runs about 12 minutes. Photos of the ceremony and of the books in the display case can be found on FranklinMatters.org/

Without further ado, here is the audio recording.

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This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can use your help.

How can you help?

• If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors.
• If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.

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 and Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission

I hope you enjoy!

FM #142: Ben's Books return to the Franklin Library (audio)

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

Ben's books return to display at the Franklin Public Library

Photos from the unveiling of Ben's books at the Franklin Public Library on Sunday, April 8, 2018.

well said

Building Committee Chair Judith Pond Pfeffer

Mary Olsson, Franklin Historical Commission

in the middle of the unveiling

voila!

you can walk around the display to view the books

You can see the stitches on the leather book covers

For more photos, visit this link:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/BuBL0ZVshZR0vxXP2

The audio recording of the brief unveiling ceremony can be found here
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H6qQy7Jk

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - April 11 - 5:45 PM

The next Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 11 at 5:45 PM in Room 205 at the Franklin Municipal Building.

AGENDA

Recommended actions:

1. Solar
2. Lot Line cleanup

• Fisher/Hayward Street
• Raymond Street
• Union Street neighborhood

3. C1 changes

• Dimension regulations
• Parking

Discussion:

4. Multi-Family Housing in RV and Cl/Affordable Housing
a. R7
b. Over 55 Housing Overlay
c. lnclusionary Zoning
5. Economic Development Overview


Future Meetings:

6. Poultry Zoning (May Meeting)
7. Clark, Cutler, McDermott rezone (May Meeting)
8. Sign bylaw and temporary signs
9. Marijuana, Grow, medical dispensaries, recreational grow or dispensaries, overlay district
10. Overlay District Mapping
11. Sale of Town Owned Land
12. Brewery zoning update



This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/edc_meeting_4-11-18.pdf

The pond or old town swimming pool now the location of the Sculpture Park had its
growth cut back significantly this winter

Boston Globe recognizes Loomis, Edgehill and Stott

The Boston Globe published their All Scholastic listing in Sunday's paper. Three Franklin High School athletes were recognized.


"Ashley Loomis = Division 1: Franklin | Senior

To close her dominant high school career, Loomis broke two state records at Division 1 state meet, defending her 200 free title for the third straight year (1:49.00) and the 500 free title for the fourth straight (4:50.76). She will attend Yale.

Chris Edgehill = Franklin | Sophomore

The Hockomock League underclassman of the year averaged 18 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists per game during his sophomore season. The 6-foot point guard led his team to a 22-3 record and second consecutive Division 1 state finals appearance.

Natalie Stott = Franklin | Freshman

The Hockomock All-Star put up some of the state’s best numbers as a freshman, posting eight shutouts to go with a 0.90 GAA and 0.954 save percentage while tending net for a Panthers team that allowed a state-low 18 goals on the year."

The full listing of All Scholastics for the Winter season 2017-2018 can be found online (subscription maybe required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/Sports/HighSchools/specials/all-scholastics/allscholastics

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1pkTgrPb3qoHAE5kCfHORM-tRR7RFODne

FHS Panthers

Register O'Donnell Sees Norfolk County Real Estate Market Mirroring National Trend

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Sees Norfolk County Real Estate Market Mirroring National Trend Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell noted that Norfolk County 1st quarter (Jan-March 2018) is following the national real estate market trends when it comes to real estate market prices and sales. Register O'Donnell noted, "During the 1st quarter of 2018, the number of real estate properties, both residential and commercial, fell 6% year over year. There were 3,525 properties sold compared to 3,753 during the 1st quarter 2017. While there were plenty of individuals and families looking to enter the housing market, the lack of available real estate inventory is without question causing a reduction in sales. On the other hand, there is no doubt that low inventory has caused real estate sales prices to rise. This is just a classic case of market demand." The average sales price, again both for residential and commercial real estate during the 1st quarter was $953,988, a 52% increase from the 1st quarter 2017. Also, the total volume of residential and commercial sales for the quarter was $1.8 billion, a 37% increase. It should be noted these numbers were also impacted by the sale of two commercial properties in Quincy totaling $80 million and $43 million and also the $76 million sale of the former Reebok headquarters in Canton. Also mirroring what is being seen nationally, Norfolk County saw a reduction in the number of mortgages recorded during the 1st quarter. A total of 5,155 mortgages were recorded during the 1st quarter 2018 compared to 6,005 during the same time period in 2017. "A combination of reduced property sales and an uptick in interest rates is causing a reduction in lending activity," stated O'Donnell. While Norfolk County saw a reduction in lending activity, the overall amount of mortgage indebtedness recorded during the quarter actually increased a significant 94% to $7.4 billion. This figure was impacted by a $746 million mortgage taken out against a commercial property in Weymouth that was recorded in late January 2018. The number of Homestead filings also fell 12% during the quarter. "The Homestead law," stated O'Donnell, "provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. I urge Norfolk County residents to consider this consumer protection tool." Foreclosure activity was mixed during the quarter. The number of foreclosure deeds recorded was 68, a 1% reduction from the 1st quarter 2017. However, there were 168 Notice to Foreclose Mortgage recordings, a 16.6% increase year over year. A Notice to Foreclose Mortgage is the first step in the foreclosure process. "This is a statistic that bears careful watching," noted O'Donnell. The Register noted, "My office continues to partner with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x376, and NeighborWorks Southern Mass, 508-587-0950. They are available to help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender. A third option is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. Each of these programs is staffed by knowledgeable professionals. I urge anyone who is facing a foreclosure issue to avail themselves of these excellent programs." Register O'Donnell concluded, "While the eastern Massachusetts economy remains strong, the local real estate market will not see increased activity until there is more housing stock available for sale. There is no indication right now that we will be seeing such activity anytime soon. Another factor that could possibly impact the market is whether the Federal Reserve will follow through on its plans to increase interest rates this year." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street, Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website at 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. 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, 649 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Franklin Public Schools: Interview Committee Invitation

Dear Parents, Guardians and Staff of the Franklin Public Schools Community:

We have begun the process of selecting a new Assistant Superintendent of Schools and are seeking two parent volunteers and two faculty volunteers to sit on the Interview Committee. This Committee will serve to interview candidates who have been screened for an initial round of interviews and to recommend finalists to move forward to the Superintendent for the next steps in the process.

Volunteers for this committee must be able to fulfill both of the following time commitments:

• Tuesday, May 15: Organizational Meeting and Interviews from 3:30 PM-8:00 PM
• Wednesday, May 16: Interviews from 3:30 PM-8:00 PM (if needed)

All interviews will take place at the Franklin Public Schools' Central Office.

If you are interested in participating on the Interview Committee, please contact Denise Miller by email at millerd@franklinps.net or at 508-553-4819 no later than 4:00 PM Monday, April 23. We will email you by Friday, April 27 to inform you if you have been selected to participate.

Please note that all parents/guardians/staff will have the opportunity to meet the finalist(s) and provide input to the Superintendent before she makes a final decision.

Thank you in advance for your interest in serving on this committee.

Lisa Trainor

Director of Human Resources

Franklin Public Schools: Interview Committee Invitation

In the News: Ben's books return to display; FHS student dies over weekend

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"If there is one great truth about history, it is that no story is single-sided. 

That certainly is the case with the story of how the town of Franklin came into the possession of more than 100 books gifted by founding father Benjamin Franklin sometime in 1785 or 1786 — a story that included correspondences between at least four parties, and involved the passage of letters overseas to France and England. 

Those same books, which must have been received with much excitement — having been provided by one of 18th century America’s own living legends — were the subject of renewed excitement on Sunday as library officials unveiled a new state-of-the-art, museum-quality display of the volumes in the newly renovated reading gallery located in the historic part of the library at 118 Main St. 

For many decades stuffed into a shadowed, enclosed book case pressed against a wall that many walked by without an inkling of their significance, the books now rest within a humidity-controlled, UV light-protected case that affords 360 degrees of viewing and offers no back stage placement. The custom-made display cost in the neighborhood of $20,000, paid for by the Franklin Library Association Trust."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180408/franklin-library-unveils-books-gifted-by-founding-father

Ben's books return to display

"A member of Franklin High School’s senior class recently died, according to Principal Paul Peri. 

Jack Sewell died over the weekend, according to an email from Peri. No details of his death are available. 

In his email, Peri said Sewell “was a kind and charismatic young man with a captivating personality and a heartwarming smile.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180408/franklin-high-school-student-dies

Channel 25 has this item on Jack Sewell