What's in the budget approved by the Legislature?

Note: the news media did report that Governor Baker did sign the budget on Friday and in so doing vetoed a bunch of line items. MA.gov has been updated to reflect the vetoes. All the details can be found here:

http://www.mass.gov/anf/budget-taxes-and-procurement/state-budget/fy17-budget-info/governors-fy17-vetoes/

How was the budget balanced in the face of a sudden $750 million shortfall?

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. What is (and isn't) in the Budget Approved by the Legislature How did the Legislature balance the budget in the face of a sudden $750 million shortfall?MassBudget's new Budget Monitor explains and offers an analysis of each major section of the state budget with comparisons to current and historic funding levels.  The Legislature enacted the FY 2017 budget in particularly challenging circumstances. Towards the end of the process, the goalposts moved when new projections indicated that there would be $750 million less in tax revenue than had been assumed. The final budget includes some cuts below the levels that had been recommended by either the House or Senate, as well as a number of strategies that provide only temporary solutions by pushing costs into future years and underfunding accounts that will eventually need to be funded. The Legislature managed to provide modest funding increases in a few priority areas, including local aid which receives a 4.3 percent increase, Chapter 70 education aid which is increased by 2.6 percent, and a number of initiatives to address opioid addiction including $8.3 million in increased funding for substance abuse services in the Department of Public Health. The budget also cuts funding in a number of areas: the $18.6 million kindergarten expansion grant program is eliminated; funding for the Department of Revenue is reduced by $15.9 million, potentially weakening the capacity to combat tax evasion and ensure the integrity of our tax system; and the budget imposes a 13 percent cut in YouthWorks which provides funding for summer jobs. The revenue decline did not all translate into budget cuts. The Legislature projects that $206 million of the decline was capital gains taxes that would have been deposited into the rainy day fund, so the shortfall will lead to less money for the rainy day fund rather than for the budget. The tax cut that had been expected to be triggered by revenue growth likely won't be, saving $79 million in FY 2017. School buildings and the MBTA won't see $62 million in sales tax receipts because of the lower sales tax projections. The state's Medicaid plan will postpone paying some bills. The state will also likely need to provide mid-year funding in several accounts. The conference committee also reduced spending levels for a number of programs below the levels recommended by the House or Senate - and in some cases below both. The Legislative Budget Monitor describes both where lawmakers were able to preserve or build upon programs, and where programs were cut or eliminated. Click (HERE) to read the new Budget Monitor. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

screen grab of FY 2017 webpage

FSPA's Electric Youth schedule two free outdoor concerts

Following a three-and-a-half week summer concert tour of Austria and Italy, Electric Youth (EY) will perform two free outdoor concerts on Thursday, July 21, at 6:30 p.m. at Norfolk Town Hill and on Wednesday, July 27, at 6 p.m. on Franklin Town Common. The Franklin concert will be presented as part of the second annual Franklin Cultural Festival, hosted by the Franklin Cultural District Committee.

Electric Youth’s 13th European tour was highlighted by a return Fourth of July show at Aviano Air Force Base to entertain U.S. Troops and families stationed abroad, as well as a concert at the American Embassy in Rome. The 2016 tour also featured performances in Vienna, Kirchberg, Gmunden, Melk and St. Polten, Austria, including a benefit concert for pediatric cancer and patient family support. Performances in Italy included multiple shows in Lignano, Bibione and Concordia along the Adriatic Coast, concerts in Todi and Cortona within the Tuscany-Umbria region, and at Lake Como.

Backed by the eight-piece band of world-class musicians, Electric Youth delivers a fun, high-energy evening of family entertainment with an extensive range of contemporary pop, classic rock, Broadway and country hits for audiences all ages. This season’s repertoire features fully choreographed performances of the best of Adele, Beyoncé, The Black Crowes, Imagine Dragons, Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, Pink, Queen, Frank Sinatra, Carrie Underwood, Stevie Wonder and more.

The 14 singer-dancers of Electric Youth 2016 are pictured in this portrait photo. Electric Youth performs two free outdoor summer concerts in Franklin and Norfolk in July, backed by the group’s eight-piece show band

Selected annually by audition, the group is chosen for superior musicianship, stage presence, and “triple threat” accomplishments in voice, dance, and acting. This season’s ensemble of performers, ages 14-18, studies multiple dance disciplines, voice, and acting at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA). Electric Youth 2016 includes Madison Asgeirsson, Brooke Collins, Aaron Frongillo, Jocelyn Jones, Lauren Szczepanowski and Melissa Wyner of Franklin; Michael Fajardo of Hopkinton; Sam Evans and Colie Vancura of Medfield; Katie Gray of Milford; Kylee Rollins of North Attleboro; Griffin Wilkins of Walpole; and Jenna McDermott and Susauna Wickstrom of Wrentham.

Showcasing Boston musicians who’ve performed, recorded and toured with such music legends as Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations and Van Morrison, EY’s show band features Kenny Hadley on drums, Arnie Krakowsky on tenor saxophone, Bill Miele on bass, Artie Montanaro on trombone, Walter Platt on trumpet, Ken Reid on baritone saxophone, Mark White on guitar and Director Raye Lynn Mercer on piano. Under the direction of Mark Poniatowski, musical arrangers for Electric Youth are Rick Hammett, Jeff Perry, Walter Platt, Poniatowski, Mark White and Ben Whiting. Hallie Wetzell is Electric Youth’s Vocal Director. Choreographers include Mercer, Casey Andrade, Cheryl Madeux, Nick Paone and Kellie Stamp.

Electric Youth has released six professional CDs and performed internationally at England’s Arundel Festival, Disneyland Paris, professional theaters in Bristol, London and Windsor, and such renowned venues as Sanremo’s Ariston Theatre and Vienna’s Konzerthaus, Musikverein and Schonbrunn Palace. EY has also headlined Fourth of July shows for U.S. troops and their families stationed in Italy at Camp Ederle, Camp Darby, and Aviano Air Force Base. The ensemble has performed on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, on Fox-TV and WBZ Radio, and at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, Mechanics Hall, the Smithsonian Museum Theater and the United Nations. EY’s music, including the 2014 album Power Chord is available at amazon.com and iTunes.

For more information about Electric Youth or the EY summer concerts, call FSPA at (508) 528-8668 or visit www.electricyouth.com.

For additional information on the 2nd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival, visit the webpage at http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/

Join us to celebrate the cultural arts July 27 to 30, 2016

"Let’s do our part to ensure that our loved ones are getting the care and medication they need"

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

"By now, we’ve all read or heard about the opioid epidemic sweeping our country. Some of us may have a loved one who struggles with addiction. Some of us may have lost a loved one to the disease. 

What many of us may not know is that the senior population is growing increasingly addicted to opioids. A September 2015 AARP article says that between 1993 and 2012, “the rate of overdose deaths for adults ages 55 to 64 soared sevenfold,” and a June 2016 article reported that since 1999, deaths among those age 50 and up increased “nearly… eleven fold.” 

Addiction to painkillers — or opioids like fentanyl, oxycodone and morphine — can have a devastating effect on those suffering from the addiction as well as on their friends and loved ones."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/entertainmentlife/20160708/healthy-habits-opioid-addiction-in-seniors

S.A.F.E. is a coalition of community partners who have come together
to provide support, education, treatment options,
and coping mechanisms for those affected by substance abuse disorder. 

The SAFE Coalition provide services for the Franklin area. Visit their webpage for information on the services they offer.  http://safecoalitionma.com/

View and/or download their tri-fold brochure here:

Franklin Elks Lodge: Touch - A - Truck - July 30

The Franklin Elks Lodge Touch - A - Truck Free Family Event is scheduled for July 30th from 9:00 AM - Noon. Touch - A - Truck will be held at the Elks Lodge at 1077 Pond St, Franklin MA 02038.

There will be lots of different vehicles for kids to explore as well as popcorn, hot dogs, and cold drinks. 

This is an event to benefit the Food Drive that the Elks conduct to benefit Christmas Food Baskets for Families in our Local Communities. The Elks will be accepting can goods and non-perishable food items.

Franklin Elks Lodge: Touch - A - Truck - July 30

Stay up to date on the event by watching the event page on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/events/785251864907645/

Kenny Hadley Big Band - July 22

THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s theater, music, and event venue, presents the renowned Kenny Hadley Big Band on Friday, July 22 at 8 p.m. The critically-acclaimed 16-piece ensemble, led by drummer Kenny Hadley, boasts masterful musicians with performance ties to Big Band legends Woody Herman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich and more. 

The Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with such notables as the Count Basie Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson. 

Tickets are $20. 

THE BLACK BOX, home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. A cash bar is available. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Kenny Hadley Big Band

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 7/8/16 - THU 7/14/16

FRIDAY 7/8/16
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ The Town Common
1pm   Storyteller Diane Edgecomb @ Franklin Public Library

MONDAY 7/11/16
10am-4pm   FSPA Open House @ 38 Main Street
10:30am   The Greg and Axel Magic Show @ Franklin Public Library

TUESDAY 7/12/16
1:30-3pm   Knitting Circle for Adults @ Franklin Public Library
7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Public Meeting @ Franklin YMCA

WEDNESDAY 7/13/16
10:30am   Ridge Valley Farms Horse and Pony Rides @ The Franklin Town Common
6:30-8:30pm   Concerts on the Common: Sharon Concert Band, Children’s Program: Elaine Kessler, Storyteller
8:15pm   Movies in the Park @ Choate Park, Medway. Free admission, every Wednesday through summer.

THURSDAY 7/14/16
5-9pm   SAFE Coalition’s Substance Abuse Drop In Center @ St. John’s Episcopal Church
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked @ Franklin Art Center

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

Terry Katsaros installed as Franklin Rotary President

At a recent meeting, the Franklin Rotary installed a new President, Terry Katsaros.

Terry Katsaros (Rockland Trust) (center in photo) was recently installed as the new President of the Franklin Rotary Club for 2016-17 by fellow Rotarian Dan Gentile.  Observing is Mr Katsaros's wife Laurel.

Franklin Rotary Club recently hosted a reunion of Past Presidents. In the photo are (Seated, L to R) Robert Vallee, John Padula, Victor Pisini, and Frank Cussano, and (Standing, L to R) Dan Gentile, Dr William Koplin, Archie Acevedo, Edward Hick, Francis McKeowen, Julie Rougeau, Steven Crowley, Bruce Healey, Gary Mccarraher, Dr Jeffrey Morrill, and Richard Cornetta

Rotary is an international service organization of over one million members, dedicated to building friendship and improving the lives of people locally and worldwide. One of Rotary's most noted programs is Polio Plus, which has virtually eliminated polio from the earth through a massive vaccination program that only an organization as big as Rotary International could undertake successfully.

Franklin Rotary membership is open to anyone who works or resides in the towns of Franklin, Wrentham, and Medway. The club meets Thursday nights at 6PM at 3's Restaurant in Franklin and guests or potential members are always welcome.

For more about the Franklin Rotary, visit them on the web  http://portal.clubrunner.ca/3689

Submitted by Dr William Koplin

Franklin Historical Museum now on Instagram

An instagram page was recently created for the Franklin Historical Museum. Another step in the community engagement process for the Museum.  

Check them out as they add entries to their page Instagram.com/franklinhistory

Franklin Historical Museum now on Instagram

What is Instagram?

Instagram is an online mobile photo-sharing, video-sharing, and social networking service that enables its users to take pictures and videos, and share them either publicly or privately on the app, as well as through a variety of other social networking platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Flickr.^[9] Originally, a distinctive feature was that it confined photos to a square shape, similar to Kodak Instamatic and Polaroid SX-70 images, in contrast to the 4:3 aspect ratio typically used by mobile device cameras. In August 2015, version 7.5 was released, allowing users to post photos captured in any aspect ratio. Users can also apply digital filters to their images. The maximum duration for Instagram videos is 60 seconds.^[10]

From the wikipedia entry for Instagram. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instagram

Franklin Matters is also on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/franklinmatters.ma/

In the News: Police Chief Lynch, drought conditions continue, charter school funding

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

"After 20 years with the Franklin Police Department, Thomas Lynch has ascended to the force's top job. 

As the new chief, Lynch - who was sworn in on June 22 - is looking to continue the department's history of ensuring the town's safety while increasing its visibility and accessibility. 

"We must be doing something right" to be listed among the nation's safest towns, Lynch said. "But we still have work to do - we can't sit on our laurels, and the community constantly changes." 

Lynch said he has been meeting with officers to establish a new set of goals and mission statement."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160706/new-franklin-police-chief-we-still-have-work-to-do

Franklin Police, 911 Panther Way

"Though there is a good chance for heavy rain today, Friday and possibly into the weekend, the region is officially experiencing drought conditions. 

A report issued today by the U.S. Drought Monitor shows most of Middlesex and Worcester counties as well as all of Essex County in severe drought conditions. The weekly report had previously listed most of MetroWest and central Massachusetts as being abnormally dry or experiencing moderate drought conditions."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160707/drought-conditions-for-region

"The Legislature's final budget now being reviewed by Gov. Charlie Baker significantly underfunds the state's commitment to reimburse school districts for the cost of students who attend charter schools, giving anti-charter school expansion forces fodder for their fight against a ballot question this summer. 

The Save Our Public Schools Campaign, a coalition that includes the teachers unions and organized to oppose the charter expansion ballot question, plans to target Baker on Thursday to bring pressure on the governor to find a way to boost support for local districts."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160707/charter-school-opponents-say-state-budget-shortchanges-districts

FHS Basketball in July? Why not for a good cause!

FHS boys and girls basketball teams will be playing in the 5th Annual “Wally” Seaver High School Invitational being held this weekend, July 9th and July 10th, at Mass Premier Courts and the M-Plex. The tournament is organized by Milford boys hoops head coach Paul Seaver.

"The 5th Annual “Wally” Seaver High School Invitational is a summer high school boys and girls varsity basketball event will take place at both Mass Premier Courts (Foxboro) and M-Plex (Mansfield), featuring 76 participating teams/schools coming together to raise money and awareness for Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS). This year’s event is the largest to date with the participating teams ranging from four different New England states and including one team from overseas."

For the complete schedule follow the link to the Hockomock Sports page
http://hockomocksports.com/wally-seaver-invitational-schedule-for-hockomock-teams-2016/

FHS Panthers

K8 Axe graduates from Narcotics Detection training

K9 Axe and Officer Gilboy recently graduated from the Boston Police Academy's Narcotics Detection Course. 

K9 Axe

K9 Axe is shown in the press release wearing his new bullet proof vest which was donated by MA Vest a Dog.  




For additional information and press releases from the Franklin Police Dept
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Police/index

Downtown Project Update #38

Paving Main Street between the bridge and Emmons Street will be Thursday during the day. One lane will remain open for traffic. 

They will continue to work on crosswalks over the next three weeks.
They plan to paint the lines on the streets next week. 

The plan is still to transition to two way traffic on July 20th. There are several areas that still need repairs and changes that they will continue to work on over the summer. 

Please contact the Town Administrator's Office at 520-4949 with any questions. We will continue to keep the public informed through our website, Twitter and Facebook.

the new polymer 'brick' crosswalk in front of Dean College

Rep Roy: Legislature Passes Balanced FY17 Budget

Representative Jeffrey N. Roy joined his colleagues in the Legislature in passing a $39.145 billion budget that prioritizes the needs of municipalities and those in need, while investing in key areas related to local aid, education, children's health and safety, housing, health and human services, workforce training and economic development. The spending bill also reflects an active response to an unpredictable revenue shortfall through responsible and forward-looking solutions.

"I'm proud that in the midst of a tough economic climate, we came to an agreement on a fiscally-responsible budget that minimizes cuts and protects our most vulnerable citizens," House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop) said.

"It's important to reaffirm our commitment to local aid and our communities," said Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D - Franklin) "The House and Senate were successful at including significant local and regional money throughout the Commonwealth in this coming fiscal year's budget. Additionally, Massachusetts is dealing with several important societal issues, like the opioid epidemic, public safety, aging infrastructure, and an aging population. The Legislature has struck a balance that will be able to take on these challenges and maintain our commitments to our communities, our children, the aged, those with disabilities, economic development, and the arts."

The Legislature was able to maintain its record-high investments in local aid, including increases in both local education funding and Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA). UGGA was boosted by 4.3 percent and education aid was increased by $55 per-pupil-aid, more than doubling last year's expenditure. The budget also fully funds Special Education Circuit Breaker. In addition to local education funding, the Legislature continues to emphasize to the impact that high-quality Early Education and Care (EEC) has on the lives of our residents – both children and adults – by making targeted investments to support the EEC workforce while expanding access to high-quality programming. EEC investments include a $12.5 million rate reserve, $4M to ensure access to quality EEC programming, including continued support for pre-kindergarten expansion opportunities. Some of the other budget highlights include:

· $139.2M in total funding to fight the opioid epidemic, an increase of $23.6M over FY2016 spending.
· $14.1M for local Councils on Aging, increasing the formula grant to $10 per senior per year and strengthening local senior center community programming and services.
· $940.8M for the Department of Children and Families, an $18.3M increase over FY2016 spending.
· Limits MBTA fare increases to 7% every 2 years to ensure Massachusetts residents have access to affordable public transportation.

Recognizing that education and economic development are intrinsically paired, the budget enhances the Legislature's focus on bolstering job opportunities for residents of all skillsets in diverse regions of the Commonwealth through programs including:

· Invests $2 million in the Big Data Innovation and Workforce Fund, to promote the big data and analytics industries, provide tools for related career development and explore how analytics can help address problems of public concern;
· MassCAN: $1.7 million to establish and enhance widespread, progressive computer science curriculum in public school through a public-private matching program;
· Provides $1 million for technical grants for small business;
· Talent Pipeline: $1.5 million to encourage young innovators to get a head start on their futures by matching stipends for interns at innovation start-ups, and to provide mentoring opportunities for new entrepreneurs;
· Provides $1 million for the John Adams Innovation Institute;
· Continues to fund the Massachusetts Manufacturing Partnership, a program that continues to show results in closing the skills gap.

Finally, the budget also includes hundreds of thousands of dollars in local aid for Franklin and Medway, namely:

· $25,000 to develop a recreation management plan for the Franklin, Medway, and Bellingham Army Corps of Engineers flood plain and wildlife habitat;
· $15,000 for the Franklin Downtown Partnership, Inc.;
· $10,000 for the construction of a Little Free Library on Franklin Housing Authority property
· $65,000 for the Franklin Fire Department to purchase communication safety equipment;
· $50,000 for the Franklin Senior Center
· $20,000 shall be expended for the Makerspace program in the Medway Public Library
· $200,000 for the Medway public schools
· $40,000 shall be expended for public safety improvements in the town of Medway.

The Budget now goes to the Governor for his review and consideration.

In the News: catching up to recent links of interest

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

• A man died Sunday after being hit by a car while walking across Route 495 South, state police said.

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160703/franklin-man-dies-in-highway-pedestrian-crash

• Beginning next spring, Massachusetts students will take a revamped version of the state’s standardized exams, which are being designed to be given online.

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160704/schools-readying-for-new-mcas

• The school district has hired a new food service director as it works to create an in-house food program for the 2016-2017 school year.

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160704/franklin-schools-hire-food-service-director-to-bring-meals-in-house

• A man was taken to the hospital via LifeFlight helicopter Sunday afternoon after falling out of a tree.

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160705/franklin-man-flown-to-hospital-after-falling-from-tree

• The town devoted an additional $200,000 to fund post-employment benefits for its employees as it continues to set aside money for the expense.

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160705/franklin-increases-fy16-contribution-for-opeb

FSPA will hold Open House: July 11 and July 28

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will hold Open Houses for prospective students and families on Monday, July 11 and Thursday, July 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. The community is invited to tour the facilities, speak with faculty and staff, and learn more about FSPA programs in music, dance, and drama. Prospective students are also encouraged to try a complimentary class.

Founded in 1985 by Director Raye Lynn Mercer, FSPA has been dedicated to the enjoyment of the arts for all ages and to the artistic growth and development of young people. The school offers an extensive roster of classes in all dance disciplines, acting, musical theater, voice, and instrumental instruction, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious study. FSPA is also home to the Little Music School, an innovative program that teaches children as young as 18 months to play the piano. 

Performance is an integral part of an FSPA education and the school offers a year-round calendar of opportunities, including musicals, plays, voice and instrumental recitals, opera scenes, acoustic coffee houses, musical theater showcases, summer theater, ballet and dance company performances, and the school’s signature Spring Concert. THE BLACK BOX, the home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located just behind the school and provides a professional venue for FSPA student productions. Many FSPA students also participate, by audition, in FPAC’s annual season of shows.

Registration for summer and fall sessions is ongoing. Beginners are welcome and encouraged. For more information, including summer brochure or fall class schedule and catalogue, call (508) 528-8668 or visit online at www.FSPAonline.com.

THE BLACK BOX marquee is operational but doesn't photograph well due to the refresh rate

Register O'Donnell Stresses Need to File Mortgage Discharges

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Stresses Need to File Mortgage Discharges Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today reminded consumers about the importance of filing a mortgage discharge in a timely manner after their mortgage has been paid off. Register O'Donnell noted, "During our office hours, one of the most commonly asked questions by homeowners is whether they have clear title to their property. This can be determined by accessing the Registry's online records and verifying if all mortgages associated with the property have been discharged." The Register went on to say, "When a mortgage is paid off, a mortgage discharge document needs to be recorded with the Registry of Deeds to clear a homeowner's property title. A discharge is a document (typically one page) issued by the lender, usually with a title such as "Discharge of Mortgage" or "Satisfaction of Mortgage." In many instances stated O'Donnell, "Discharges are sometimes filed directly by banks or settlement attorneys with the Registry as part of a property sale or as a result of a refinancing transaction. In other cases, the mortgage discharge is sent to the property owner who is then responsible for making sure the document is recorded at the Registry. "Whether or not a discharge is recorded by the lending institution or the individual property owner, ultimately the responsibility falls on the property owner to check and make sure that all necessary documents have been recorded at the Registry of Deeds." The Register further mentioned that there have been cases where no discharge has been recorded against a long paid off mortgage. Unfortunately, some of the lending institutions that provided funds for these mortgages are no longer in existence. In most other cases, financial entities have merged with another lending entity. "You cannot sell your property without having all mortgage discharges recorded," the Register warned. If a property owner needs to retrieve an original discharge of a mortgage and is unclear which lending institution is now responsible for providing the document, an option is to contact the Massachusetts Division of Banks at 1-800-495-2265. This government agency can assist the consumer in tracking down contact information for the lending institution that is responsible for the mortgage. When recording a discharge, the original document is required. The Registry of Deeds does not accept photo copies or faxed copies of documents. The filing fee, set by state statute, is $76.00. In conclusion O'Donnell stated, "After paying off all the mortgages on their property, homeowners want to be assured that they have clear title to their property, especially if they are contemplating selling. Being diligent and aware of what is required will go a long way in giving the homeowner peace of mind. "The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is staffed with a team of customer service representatives who can be reached Monday through Friday, 8:30AM-4:30PM at 781-461-6101. These representatives have been trained in researching documents and are well versed on the subject of mortgage discharges and what, if necessary, needs to done to clear title to a property. 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. 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, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today screen grab of Norfolk Deeds webpage

Conservation Commission discusses the DelCarte Open Space (video)

Conservation Agent George Russell and Conservation Commission Chair Jeff Livingstone sat down with Ken Norman in the fall of 2015 to talk about the work of the Conservation Commission and DelCarte Open Space.

• The study mentioned can be found here:

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/ecological-and-management-study-of.html

The Town Council did approve funding for the remediation steps outlined to gradually reduce the invasive plant species in the water.

A recent photo shows the spread of water lilies and other plants over the water surface at DelCarte

Kent, Civetti lead the pack of awards for FHS Boys Lacrosse

From Hockomock Sports

"Franklin senior attacker Austin Kent has been chosen as the 2016 HockomockSports.com Boys Lacrosse Player of the Year. Kent led the Panthers to a fourth straight Kelley-Rex division title, with an unbeaten 10-0 record, and was also selected as the Hockomock League MVP by the coaches. 

“Austin is an elite scorer with the hardest shot in the league,” said HockomockSports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry. “Even against the best defenses in the state, Kent could find just enough space to get off a shot and was always a threat to put up a hat trick or more. Selecting him as Player of the Year felt like a no-brainer after the season he had.” 

Kent finished second on the Panthers and the in the league with 59 goals and 24 assists. His 83 points was only behind teammate Eric Civetti. The senior, who will spend a post-graduate season at Bridgton Academy next year, added five goals and three assists in the tournament against Xaverian."

Continue reading the write up on Kent at the link below -->>

HockomockSports.com Boys Lacrosse Player of the Year

HOCKOMOCK SPORTS FIRST TEAM

• Sean Lockhart – Franklin – Defense

Franklin senior Sean Lockhart was one of the leaders of the Panthers defensive unit, which remained among the best in the Hockomock League. Lockhart helped Franklin win the league title with an unbeaten record and make a run to the D1 South quarterfinal. As one of the Panthers close defenders, Lockhart could shut down his player and also read the play to step into the passing lanes. Lockhart will be heading to Assumption College next season and was selected as an all-star by the league’s coaches.

• Matt Pleshaw – Franklin – LSM

Franklin LSM Matt Pleshaw was a major factor in the Panthers having one of the strongest defensive units in the league and helped Franklin go unbeaten in the Hockomock and reach the D1 South quarterfinal. Pleshaw is a quick player who would regularly jump forward into the attack after forcing a turnover or scooping a ground ball. While not the biggest defender on the team, Pleshaw showed the strength to battle with some of the state’s best attackers as the Panthers played one of the toughest schedules in the league.

• Eric Civetti – Franklin – Attack

Franklin sophomore Eric Civetti was the other side of the potent Panthers attack and he made the jump from promising freshman to league leader in his second season at Pisini Field. Civetti led the Hockomock with 70 goals and 94 points. He was a physical force down near the crease with great hands and ball skills that rivaled the best in the state, as well as a keen eye for a pass (24 assists). He was chosen as the HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year (see below) and selected as an all-star by the league’s coaches.

• Jacob Alexander – Franklin – FOGO

Franklin freshman FOGO (face-off, get-off) midfielder Jake Alexander came out of nowhere to dominate the face-off ‘X’ for the Panthers and became a major factor in an undefeated league title and a run to the D1 South quarterfinal. Not the biggest player, Alexander used his speed and quick hands to win 76 percent of the face-offs this spring. It provided the Panthers with a ready supply of possessions for their powerful attack to go back to work. Alexander was selected as an all-star by the league’s coaches.

HOCKOMOCK SPORTS SECOND TEAM

• Patrick Morrison – Franklin – LSM

Franklin won another league title this season with one of the top defenses in the Hockomock and while there was plenty of experience at the back for the Panthers this spring, freshman Patrick Morrison had a breakout rookie campaign that showed the future is bright heading into next season. The imposing Morrison brought size and speed to the Franklin defense along with the stick skills to step forward with the ball in transition and lead a quick break. On a team that reloads rather than rebuilds, Morrison looks to be a future star for Franklin.

• Packie Watson – Franklin – Midfield

Franklin junior Packie Watson was among a group of Panthers that sometimes did not get the attention of players like Austin Kent or Eric Civetti, but played a critical role in Franklin’s unbeaten run through the Kelley-Rex and return to the D1 South quarterfinal. Watson was tenacious on the wings on face-offs, dominant on ground balls, and also a consistent presence for Franklin in the clear. Watson was the player that connected the Panthers defense and attack and was selected as an all-star by the league’s coaches.

HockomockSports.com Boys Lacrosse Underclassman of the Year

"Franklin sophomore attacker Eric Civetti has been chosen as the 2016 HockomockSports.com Boys Lacrosse Underclassman of the Year. Civetti led the league in scoring this spring and helped the Panthers to an undefeated Kelley-Rex division title and to the Div. 1 South quarterfinal. 

Civetti, who was an honorable mention for this award in 2015, was the league leader with 94 points. He scored 70 goals and recorded 24 assists for the potent Franklin offense, many times combining with Player of the Year Austin Kent (see above). 

“Eric was a force around the crease and had the skills to break down any defense,” said HockomockSports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry. “He would bully his way past his marker and finish with surprising agility, managing to stay out of the crease and find the angle he needed to get his shot into the back of the net. He could step back and let it rip too if that’s what the defense gave him.”

Continue reading the write up on Eric at the link below -->>

For all the awards for Hockomock boys lacrosse
http://hockomocksports.com/awards/boys-lacrosse/2016-2/