Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Register O'Donnell Promotes Homestead Act

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Register O'Donnell Promotes Homestead Act

Stating that for many people their house is the most important financial asset that they will ever have, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today reminded homeowners about filing for Homestead protection. Under Massachusetts law, a Homestead recording provides for limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000.

"Protecting one's primary residence is a key objective for all homeowners," noted Register O'Donnell. "If you own a home and it is your principle residence, one way to protect your home asset is to file a Homestead. The Homestead law also allows the filing of an Elderly Homestead defining elderly as a person who is 62 years of age or older."

Register O'Donnell further stated, "One of the major changes under the 2011 Homestead Law passed by the Massachusetts Legislature is that a valid Homestead cannot be terminated when refinancing a mortgage. Another clarification of the statute is that a Homestead can provide protections for a primary home kept in trust."

It is important to note there are certain debts that are exempted from protection under the Homestead Act, such as federal, state and local tax liens, as well as mortgages contracted for the purchase of a primary home and nursing home liens. Most other mortgages, debts, and encumbrances existing prior to the filing of the Declaration of Homestead, along with probate court executions for spousal and child support, are also exempted from Homestead protection.

Homestead recordings can be filed at the Registry of Deeds for a state imposed fee of $36.00. To find out more about the Homestead law, or to get a free application, please go online to the Registry's website at www.norfolkdeeds.org.

Register O'Donnell concluded, "It is important to make clear that a Homestead protects consumers against the forced sale of their primary owned residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. While the debt is still owed, homeowners will at least have the comfort of knowing that with a Homestead filed at the Registry of Deeds, their primary residence cannot be forcibly sold to satisfy most debts."

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/or Instagram.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

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Norfolk Deeds consumer alert webpage

High School Fair at BFCCPS - Sep 13

Meet with representatives and students from a variety of private and independent high schools in the Metrowest area, Boston, Worcester, and northern Rhode Island. This year representatives and students from the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School and Norfolk Aggie will be in attendance.

This free event is open to BFCCPS 8th graders as well as members of the surrounding communities. Please note that the student’s parent or guardian must be in attendance in order to gain admission to the event. Please contact Mrs. McCoy with any questions.

Date: September 13

Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

High School Fair at BFCCPS - Sep 13

http://bfccps.org/event/2016-hsfair/

Bishop Feehan
Boston Trinity Academy
BU Academy
Catholic Memorial School
Commonwealth School
Dana Hall
Fontbonne Academy
Milton Academy
Montrose School
Moses Brown School
Mount Saint Charles
Noble and Greenough
Norfolk Aggie
Providence Country Day School
Rivers
Saint John’s High School
Saint Sebastian’s School
St. Mark’s School
Stoneleigh-Burnam School
Tabor Academy
The Lincoln School
The Wheeler School
Tri-County
Ursuline Academy
Walnut Hill School
Xaverian Brother’s High School
Portsmouth Abbey

FHS volleyball: “This is the youngest team we have had"

With the return to school, the fall sports season resumes and Hockomock Sports has posted their Hockomock League outlook for volleyball.

FRANKLIN

2015 Record: 15-5 (Kelley-Rex Division Champions)
2015 Finish: Reached D1 Central/West Quarterfinal
Coach: Kate Horsmann

FHS Panthers

"Coming off the program’s second Kelley-Rex division title in the past five seasons, Franklin will be relying on youth to stay near the top of arguably the most competitive division in all of the Hockomock League’s sports. Senior Erin Skidmore (28 kills in 2015) is making the transition from the middle to the outside and will be a go-to attacking option at the net. At 6’3, junior Meaghan Maguire saw valuable time last year and will be a defensive leader at the net. The Panthers will look to sophomore setter Lauren McGrath to step in to set up the offense.

“This is the youngest team we have had since I started coaching,” head coach Kate Horsmann said. “We have five sophomores who could all be impact players for us this season. The outcome of our season will really depend on how quickly they adjust to the speed of the varsity game and how quickly we gel as a unit.”

Read the full outlook on Hockomock League volleyball
https://hockomocksports.com/2016-hockomock-volleyball-preview/

Rep Roy: What's happening in the district - September 2016 newsletter

This is our regularly monthly newsletter. If you are not yet a subscriber, you can get on our email list by clicking here.

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Primary election on Thursday

On Thursday, September 8 (yes, we will be voting on a Thursday), the State Primary election will take place throughout Massachusetts. In our District, the polls open at 6 am in Franklin at the High School and at 7 am in Medway at the Middle School.

I will be on the ballot and ask for your vote for as the Democratic nominee for State Representative in the 10th Norfolk District.

Even though many of the races on Thursday's ballot are uncontested, it's important to have your voice heard at the ballot box. Our government was designed for citizen participation, and voting is one of the opportunities to engage in the democratic process. If you don't vote, other people are going to make the decisions for you.

From the opening bell to poll closing at 8 pm, we'll be out there holding signs at both locations. I hope that you will stop by to say hello on your way in.

Thank you for your continued support and I look forward to seeing you on Thursday.

Copyright © 2016 State Rep Jeff Roy, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you either contacted our office or indicated you wanted to keep updated on the 10th Norfolk District and things going on at the State House.

Our mailing address is:

State Rep Jeff Roy

State House Room 527A

Boston, MA 02133

State Rep Jeff Roy · State House Room 527A · Boston, MA 02133 · USA

This newsletter what edited (Shortened) for publication here. To review the full newsletter, follow this -->> View this email in your browser

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

The Love Dogs come to play THE BLACK BOX - Sep 17

THE BLACK BOX New England Artist Series presents The Love Dogs, featuring rockin’ rhythm and blues, on Saturday, September 17 at 8 p.m. With barrelhouse boogie-woogie piano, stinging Fender guitar, and a red-hot horn section of trombone and alto, tenor and baritone saxes, The Love Dogs also showcases a swinging rhythm section that Blues Review magazine called “the best in the business” and a charismatic front man with one of the biggest blues voices around.

Based out of Boston, the septet just celebrated its 20th year. Combining elements of jump blues, New Orleans R&B, and early rock ‘n’ roll, The Love Dogs have played juke joints, festivals and concert halls across the U.S. and Canada and on both sides of the Atlantic. They’ve released four CDs. Many of the cuts have been blues radio favorites and several of the Dogs’ signature original songs have been used in feature films and on television.

The New York Post says, “Even though the music could make Leonardo’s David dance, it’s the songwriting that separates these dogs from the rest of the pack.”

Voted “Best New England Band” by Blues Audience magazine, The Love Dogs is part Rat Pack party, part 20th century musical encyclopedia, and part revival meeting.

The Love Dogs

The band’s lineup, featuring some of the Northeast’s best players, consists of Eddie “Duato” Scheer (lead vocals), Alizon Lissance (keyboards, vocals), Myanna (alto/tenor sax, vocals), Glenn Shambroom (guitar, baritone sax), Randy Bramwell (bass, vocals), Steve Brown (drums, vocals), Mario Perrett (tenor sax, vocals), and Mark Paquin (tenor sax, trombone).

Tickets are $20 and may be purchased at www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or at the door. A cash bar is available. The home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. For more information, call (508) 528-3370.

For more about The Love Dogs, visit their webpage

http://www.thelovedogs.com/the_band/

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Sep 7, 2016

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

August 10, 2016

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
– This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may also be recorded by others.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
– Swearing in of Fire Lieutenant – Removed from Agenda

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
– Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the Agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks
appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

E. APPOINTMENTS

Conservation Commission
Franklin Advisory Committee

F. HEARINGS
Alcoholic Beverages Licensees – Failure to Pass Compliance Check – 7:10

Acapulco’s
Joe’s American Bar and Grill

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
License Hearings - 7:10

Rare Hospitality d/b/a LongHorn Steakhouse – Change of Manager
99 Restaurant – Change of Manager

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS -
• Preventive Maintenance
• Charter Review
1995
2010

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 16-52: Appropriation: Plain Street Legal Settlement
2. Resolution 16-53: Settlement of Claim Relating to Town-Owned Tax Title Land on Plain Street – Exhibit 1 (separate link)

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

M. COUNCIL COMMENTS

N. EXECUTIVE SESSION

O. ADJOURN

Franklin Municipal Building

The agenda doc here contains the links to the details supporting documents

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2016%20Complete/Agenda.doc

“We’ve got a bunch of great athletes that are pretty good soccer players"

With the return to school, the fall sports season resumes and Hockomock Sports has posted their Kelly-Rex Division outlook for boys soccer.

FRANKLIN

2015 Record: 12-7-1
2015 Finish: Reached D1 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Fran Bositis

"Franklin has some big holes to fill around the field but returning nearly a dozen varsity players is a good start. Around 10 returning players saw valuable varsity minutes last season and that is something the Panthers will rely on.

FHS Panthers

The Panthers have to find replacements for midfielders Austin Kent and Nick Parent, along with defender Dan Geraci and goalie Henri Guilmette. However, Franklin doesn’t need to find any replacements for its strikers with both Farley Asmath and Kevin Hall back this year. Hall was second on the team with seven goals a season ago and Asmath is speedy, strong player that could add a lot to the attack. Hatim Brahimi (five goals, three assists in 2015) is one of the top returning players in the league and will lead the midfield for the Panthers this season. Franklin’s defense will consist of a rotation of five or six players, including Wesley Kozil and Noah Scafati. Senior Joe Kroon and junior Fred Beckmann will battle for the starting goalie spot.

“We’ve got a bunch of great athletes that are pretty good soccer players that work really hard,” head coach Fran Bositis said."

For the Complete Kelly Rex Boys Soccer outlook
https://hockomocksports.com/2016-kelley-rex-boys-soccer-preview/

Reminder: Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club - Sep 14

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club kicks off their 2016/2017 season on Wednesday, September 14th. We invite any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, to join us at "3" Restaurant, 461 West Central Street, Franklin.

Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available. We meet upstairs at 7:30 pm on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. We run September through May but hold many other casual events to stay connected throughout the year.

The club is an opportunity for residents of all ages and situations - not just those new to town - to socialize and learn about our community. Our September meeting is a social gathering so it's a great opportunity to come and make new friends or catch up with old ones.

For more information visit www.franklinnewcomers.com.

The Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club is a non-profit social and charitable organization for residents of Franklin, Massachusetts. We like to have fun, learn new things, spend time together, and give back to the community through volunteer activities and fundraisers.

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club is a non-profit social and
charitable organization for residents of Franklin

Reminder: Franklin Art Association - September 7

The Franklin Art Association will meet on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 from 6:30 to 9:00PM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street in Franklin.

Refreshments and social time will begin at 6:30 followed by a short business meeting and a demonstration by oil painter and pastelist, Colleen Vandeventer of Attleboro.

Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information log on to www.franklinart.org.

Faneuil Hall 12 x 24 Oil - Colleen Vandeventer

"giving the gift of a carefully and thoughtfully prepared meal"

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

"Being a chef is more than just knowing the correct technique for dicing an onion, how to create a béchamel, or what the difference is between blanching and shocking a bunch of asparagus spears.

It’s also – perhaps most importantly -- about knowing the ingredients, how to choose the freshest and best, understanding how they work together, and knowing where they come from.

That’s where the garden at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School in Franklin comes in – the pride and joy of culinary arts instructor and garden coordinator Nancy Haney."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160905/franklin-lessons-from-garden-at-tri-county

cherry tomatoes in the Tri-County garden (photo provided by Tri-County)

Nancy Haney check out tomatoes from the Tri-County garden (photo provided by Tri-County)

Monday, September 5, 2016

Girls Soccer: Ten Players to Watch in 2016

With the return to school, the fall sports season also resumes. Hockomock Sports has posted their listing of the ten players to watch for girls soccer.

HALLE ATKINSON, SOPHOMORE – FRANKLIN

FHS Panthers

No one is going to feel bad for the Panthers, who graduated a host of starters from last year’s team, including HockomockSports.com Player of the Year Victoria Stowell. No one will feel bad because Franklin rarely has to rebuild; it just reloads. One of the reasons for confidence this fall is Atkinson, who showed flashes of her potential as a freshman. A quick winger, Atkinson became more accustomed to the physical rigors of the Hockomock as the season progressed and by the tournament was a regular off the Franklin bench. This season could be a breakout year. Atkinson has the skills to beat defenders and to serve a cross into a dangerous area. She also has the pace to create opportunities for herself and a good finishing touch for a young player. For the first time in a while, Franklin is not the favorite to win the league, but with Atkinson and others back the Panthers should not slip too much.

Contnue reading about the 10 Hockomock girls soccer players to watch this season https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-girls-soccer-players-to-watch-2016/

MassBudget: Labor Day report on the State of Working Massachusetts 2016

MassBudget		Information.
MassBudget		Participation.
Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center		Democracy.

State of Working Massachusetts: Wage earners saw gains last year, but haven't made up lost ground

Hourly compensation for Massachusetts' low-wage workers rose by 7 percent from 2014-2015, buoyed by an increase in the minimum wage. A new report from the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, The State of Working Massachusetts, 2016 Edition, highlights wage gains among all income groups, but notes that low- and middle-income wages in Massachusetts and across the nation have barely grown for decades and remain lower than in 2009.

While long-term national trends are troubling, the report found some good news locally: Massachusetts has both the nation's highest median wage and the best educated workforce (49 percent have a college degree). Looking across the country, the report finds that states with better-educated workforces consistently have higher-wage economies. Comparing cities and towns within Massachusetts shows the same close relationship between the wages and education levels.

The wage growth we see among low-wage workers who are benefiting from the minimum wage increase reminds us of how important public policy can be in improving the economic well-being of working people and their families. The challenge for our Commonwealth is to develop policies that expand opportunity and raise wages for all of our people.

The State of Working Massachusetts 2016 Edition also pinpoints several other Massachusetts economic data points, including:

Wages in Massachusetts grew by 3 percent last year for the broad middle class;
Other states with minimum wage increases also saw higher wage gains for low-income workers;
Massachusetts job growth between 2007 and 2016 has been among the strongest in the nation;
Child poverty rates in Massachusetts are below the national average and have begun to decline, but 1-in-7 children remain in poverty, a higher level than before the recession.
Among adults without disabilities whose incomes were less than 125 percent of the poverty level, the vast majority (71 percent) work at least part-time.

The link to the MassBudget report is here.

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

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Schedule to donate blood at the Elks this Thursday, Sep 8

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

The American Red Cross will support 9/11 Day by offering the community an opportunity to honor those who lost their lives and those who responded following the events of Sept. 11. Interested individuals can volunteer or donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross and help ensure blood is available for patients in need.

9/11 Day was launched in 2002 as an annual day of service to honor the victims and heroes of Sept. 11. Since then, the observance has evolved into the largest annual day of charitable engagement in the U.S. and was designated as a National Day of Service and Remembrance by the U.S. Congress in 2009.

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood; regular donations are needed. Blood and platelet donors of all types are urged to give.

The following local blood donation opportunities will take place:

2-7 p.m. Sept. 8, Franklin Elks, 1077 Pond St., Franklin.

1-6 p.m. Sept. 16, Answer is Fitness, 7 Lincoln Road, Foxborough.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160904/red-cross-to-hold-911-day-blood-donation-opportunities

Schedule your appointment to donate blood online
http://www.redcrossblood.org/

http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/donation-process#t1

Learn more about the blood donation process here

Franklin Girl Scouts Info Session = Sep 6

http://www.gsema.org/en/about-girl-scouts/join.html

"Girl Scouting is for girls in grades K-12. With the guidance of adult volunteers, Girl Scouts earn badges, explore the outdoors, attend fun events and field trips, and participate in the Girl Scout cookie program.

Visit gsema.org/join and click JOIN TODAY. Complete the GIRL REGISTRATION page, click CONTINUE and follow the instructions to search for a Girl Scout troop. Select a troop and complete the membership payment."

Tuesday, September 6, 7:00 PM
St. Mary Parish, One Church Square, Franklin

Enjoy the Labor Day holiday

Parmenter sign acknowledges no school on Monday Sep 5 for Labor Day and announces a PCC meeting on Sep 8 and a Welcome Breakfast on Sep 9.

Parmenter sign acknowledges no school on Monday Sep 5 for Labor Day

For more about the Parmenter schedule, visit their webpage

http://parmenterelementary.vt-s.net/Pages/index

For more about the other schools in Franklin, visit the District page here

http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/index

Sunday, September 4, 2016

Town office closed Monday, trash delayed one day this week

"Residents- Please remember Trash and Recycling will be delayed a day due to the Labor Day Holiday on Mon Sept 5th."

https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/771348632339611648

trash and recycling by the roadside as required

pic.twitter.com/Q48gjYsKT5
— Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) September 1, 2016

Black Knot Disease at Dacey Field

"In August 2016, Conservation Commission staff discovered Black Knot Tree Disease on various Black Cherry trees at Dacey Field. The most impacted areas consist of dense Eastern White Pine stands with Black Cherry trees mixed in.

The ‘Nature Walk’ section of Dacey has many infected trees. Black Knot is a disease caused by fungal parasite, Trichothecium roseum, and leaves charcoal-like lumps on branches and twigs of trees, especially trees in the Prunus family.

The disease can bring leaf wilt and also death of leaves, twigs, branches, and even the entire tree. Winter management efforts include pruning and sanitation of trees that have not been heavily impacted. The infected branches and twigs should be burned, buried, or removed from the site eliminate the spread of the disease.

Fungicides have been used successfully in severely impacted areas. It is recommended that an experienced arborist explore Dacey to determine how severely the disease has spread throughout the forest before management efforts are made. From a quick run through, more than half the Black Cherry trees observed were infected."

black knot disease photo from American Phytopathological Society

References:

http://www.apsnet.org/edcenter/intropp/lessons/fungi/ascomycetes/pages/blackknot.aspx

http://www.ct.gov/caes/lib/caes/documents/publications/fact_sheets/plant_pathology_and_ecology/black_knot_of_ornamental_plum_and_cherry_4-02-08r.pdf

http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/trees-shrubs/black-knot/

This information was shared from the Town of Franklin page

http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024BA541-000F8513

For more info about the Conservation Commission, visit their page

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Conservation/index

Social Media Roundup: scam alert, drug that kills, rain garden tour, golf fund raiser

Items that I saved from my Facebook feed that seemed share worthy. You likely realize that everyone's Facebook feed is unique to themselves. What you see is not what someone else sees. The continuous Facebook algorithm changes makes it hard for groups to get their message to a broad audience without having to pay to "boost the post". Hence, from time to time, I'll share what I find that makes sense for Franklin to be aware of.