Register O'Donnell "Most County Real Estate Data Remains Solid in November 2016"

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell "Most County Real Estate Data Remains Solid in November 2016" Norfolk County experienced for November 2016 a strong month of real estate sales and lending activity, tempered by a slight decrease in real estate sale prices. Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell noted, "The number of property transactions increased a healthy 12% in November, compared to the same time period in 2015. A total of 1,563 deeds were recorded versus 1,395 in November 2015. "However, what was a little surprising was a small by noticeable 4% decrease in the average sale price of residential and commercial property. The average real estate sale price for the month of November was $721,968. However, total sales volume, again both residential and commercial, increased by 5% to $679 million." Another positive factor was that mortgage activity across the county increased in November by 37% as compared to November of 2015. A key factor in this activity, according to O'Donnell, was the relatively low interest rates still being offered by lending institutions. While the number of mortgages recorded increased significantly, total mortgage financing for November came in at $1.78 billion, a 25% decrease from the previous year. This decrease can be explained by 3 separate commercial mortgage transactions totaling $550 million that were recorded against properties in Weymouth, Walpole and Plainville in November 2015. Further encouraging news was seen when it came to foreclosure activity. A total of 19 foreclosure deeds were filed in November compared to 24 filings year over year. In addition, Notice to Foreclose Mortgage activity, the first step in the foreclosure process, decreased a significant 40% during the month compared to the same time period in 2015. Fifty-two Notice to Foreclose Mortgages were filed in November compared to 86 in November 2015. "These foreclosure figures are encouraging news," noted O'Donnell, "However, we can't simply focus on statistics, without realizing the human impact that results from a foreclosure filing. Clearly, some of our neighbors continue to face economic hardship. My office remains committed to partnering with Quincy Community Action Programs at (508) 598-0950 and NeighborWorks Southern Mass at (508) 587-0950 x-46 to ensure homeowners who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender are getting the help they need. Another option is to call the Massachusetts Attorney General's HomeCorps program at (617) 573-5333." The number of Homesteads recorded, an important consumer tool, increased by 7%. A total of 1,002 Homesteads were filed last month, compared to 939 in November 2015. O'Donnell noted, "A Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000." Register O'Donnell concluded, "While the slight dip in average real estate sale price for Norfolk County in November was a bit surprising, I nevertheless was heartened by the solid 12% increase in the number of real estate transactions compared to year over year at a time of the year where typically there is less real estate activity. Lending activity continues its acceleration, which is good for the real estate market. As I have previously stated, an uptick in interest rates could cause a chilling effect on both real estate sales and lending. For now, however, we will accept the good news seen in the November data while we keep a watchful eye on what the Federal Reserve will do with regards to interest rates." 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 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

"water levels have been declining all year"

"Many fear the impending cold weather will accompany dreaded snowfall, but this winter, many are actually hoping that the white stuff will replenish water sources depleted by the several-month-long drought. 

While some towns are beginning to recover from this year's detrimental drought, others are still facing declining water supply triggered by a lack of rain. 

Every region in the state, with the exception of the Cape and the Islands remains in a drought warning, according to a state Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs statement released Friday. 

Although many areas of the state experienced some rain and snow this past month, year-long averages are still well below normal."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161210/as-winter-looms-many-reservoirs-still-dangerously-low

U.S. Drought Monitor Map Archive - MA 12/06/16

MBTA: Through Monday: Commuter Rail notice

"The commuter rail is operating on a regular weekday schedule Monday, 12/12/16. Please allow additional time travelling to stations and use caution traversing platforms and parking lots.

With winter weather expected overnight and into the morning,passengers are reminded to take precautions while travelling to their local stations. 

For the latest commuter rail information, follow us on Twitter @mbta_cr, sign up to be a T-Alert subscriber and consider downloading the MBTA Commuter Rail or Transit apps.

Please be on the platform 5-10 minutes prior to departure to ensure timely boarding.

Last updated: Dec 11 2016 06:07 PM"

Franklin Dean Station in the snow

Sign up for T-Alerts  http://www.mbta.com/rider_tools/t_alerts/

2 police officers sworn in, tax rate set, and fire fighter civil service saved among key items at Town Council meeting

For the recap of the Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Dec 7, 2016 I have the following summary and associated details:

Two new police officers were sworn in at the beginning of the meeting; Jack Flynn and Tara Souza.

Chief  Lynch introducing Jack Flynn and Tara Souza

Additional photos can be found here
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10153881960095916&id=162770995915


The tax rate was set at 14.58%. This is a .08 increase over last year and while an increase, the good news within the details is that the overall assessed value of the properties in Franklin is approaching levels not since seen 2006. Beginning in 2008, the total assessed value declined for 6 years. We are now into the 4th year of increasing assessed values.

The annual renewal of liquor licenses was approved. For those businesses with unpaid bills, the license is held until payment is made. This time each year you can get a good listing of which businesses has a liquor license.

After much verbal positioning, the Town Council voted 6-3 to keep civil service for the fire fighters. Civil service came into Franklin in the 1950's and 15 groups were part of it. The fire fighters are the last unit remaining on civil service. The three councilors for removing the civil service were Mercer, Vallee and Kelly. Pellegri, Padula, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Dellorco and Jones voted to keep it. 

The Council declared the Milford Daily News as the newspaper that legal notices will be posted in, as well as the homepage of the town website. While legislation was passed earlier this year creating an online notice portal, the newspaper lobby kept the measure in place for communities to still post in the local papers.

The Council declared Forge Rill Road property as surplus land. Franklin TV will use the land to put their new radio broadcast tower on. The tower will also have space for the Town to move their antennas over to this tower and avoid an annual payment. This is a win-win for all of Franklin. We'll get a radio station next year and the Town of Franklin will save some money.

The Council approved an appropriation to purchase Google Applications for all town staff. With additional records keeping requirements coming, the Town Council will all get new Gmail addresses to conduct their official town business. This is part of the phased effort to bring the town communications technology more to better handle the current needs and be positioned for the future.

The Council approved an appropriation for funds to begin the design of new turf fields at the High School and on Beaver Street. The turf fields have been subject of much discussion regarding the crumb rubber infill. The Council voted to fund the design to use an encapsulated rubber. The rubber is coated which should provide more safety than the exposed crumb rubber currently used. A measure will come back in 2017 to fund the replacements which would likely be conducted during June and July while school is out and before the heavy use of the fields is needed in the fall.

The Council approved an appropriation to pilot E-Permitting software for the Town Clerk’s Office. Dog permit renewals are targeted to be the first enabled for online purchase. Additional departments will be brought on overtime.

The Council approved the first reading of amending a bylaw on delinquent taxpayers to conform to the Governor’s Municipal Modernization Act. The measure brings the language into conformance with the current requirements.

The published Actions Taken document

For the link to my notes taken live during the meeting Wednesday

• Live Reporting: Closing
• Live Reporting: Legislation for Action
• Live Reporting: Fire Dept civil service discussion...
• Live Reporting: Franklin Advisory Committee
• Live reporting: Annual License Renewals
• Live Reporting: Tax Hearing
• Live reporting: Town Council - Dec 7, 2016
• 
  

FHS Brahimi, Asmath recognized with Hockomock Sports Com Soccer Awards

The 2016 Hockomock Sports .com Boys Soccer Awards were posted by Hockomock Sports .com. The Franklin High School students recognized are shared here. For the full listing follow the link at the bottom.

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM BEST XI

Hatim Brahimi – Franklin – Midfield

 Hatim Brahimi – Franklin – Midfield

Franklin senior Hatim Brahimi was once again one of the top playmakers in the Hockomock League. From his central midfield position, Brahimi was quick to make decisions and was the catalyst for the Panthers’ attack. His vision and skills with the ball at his feet made him one of the top players in not only the league, but the area. A three-year varsity player, the senior captain scored once and had one assist in 2016. “He is technically and tactically one of the best players that we’ve had in Franklin over the last few years,” Franklin head coach Fran Bositis said.

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM SECOND XI

Farley Asmath – Franklin – Forward

Farley Asmath – Franklin – Forward

Franklin senior Farley Asmath garnered a lot of attention during his final year with the Panthers. The speedy Asmath, who was a handful for opposing defenses, led Franklin with seven goals and two assists. “Farley has worked very hard to make himself into a very good player,” Franklin head coach Fran Bositis said. “I feel that he has made great strides as a player when you consider he had never played organized soccer until he came to this country four years ago. I believe that he is only going to get better if given the opportunity to play at the next level.”

For the complete listing of awards for the 2016 Hockomock Soccer season
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/boys-soccer/2016-2/

FHS wrestling and indoor track results from Saturday

From Hockomock Sports .com we share the results of  the winter sports action on Saturday. The FHS wrestling team split into A and B squads. The A team finished 3rd at Mt Hope; the B squad finished 16th. 

On the Indoor Track at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston, FHS ran against Oliver Ames with the girls team winning and the boys team losing.

FHS Panthers

Wrestling

Mt. Hope Tournament (Foxboro, Franklin, Stoughton) 

– Foxboro finished first at the Mt. Hope Holiday Tournament with 180 points. Franklin’s “A” team finished third with 171 points, Stoughton finished eighth with 91 and Franklin’s “B” team was 16th with 26 points. 

Foxboro’s Matt Kelley earned his 157th career win, making him the winningest wrestling in Warrior history. Other winner’s included Foxboro’s Brian Kelley (138), Franklin’s Ed Cropper (152) and Stoughton’s Lino Azul (285). 

Second place finishes included Franklin’s Jordan Carlucci (106), Ian Bakalars (113), Mike Racca (120), Foxboro’s Max Dorman (152), Matt Mullally (160) and Dave Dow (170).

Indoor Track (@ Reggie Lewis Center)

• Boys = Franklin, 46 vs. Oliver Ames, 54 – Final
• Girls = Franklin, 72 vs. Oliver Ames, 28 – Final

For all the results on Saturday around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-121016/


For the complete track and field results
http://www.coolrunning.com/results/16/ma/Dec10_Hockom_set1.shtml

• Boys

http://www.coolrunning.com/results/16/ma/Dec10_Hockom_set2.shtml

• Girls

http://www.coolrunning.com/results/16/ma/Dec10_Hockom_set3.shtml

United Regional Chamber of Commerce: Holiday Show on Sunday!

Rick Adams - One Man Parade

We are holding our annual Holiday Show on Sunday, December 11, at Attleboro High School!

Sponsored by generous donors, and the United Regional Chamber of Commerce, this fun show is FREE to the public.

Join us, December 11th at 1PM, at Attleboro High School, 100 Rathbun Willard Drive in Attleboro.

If you have any questions, please call the chamber office at 508-316-0861.

www.unitedregionalchamber.org

www.unitedregionalchamber.org

FHS Havens, Gipson, Robbins recognized with Hockomock Sports Com Soccer Awards

The 2016 Hockomock Sports .com Girls Soccer Awards were posted by Hockomock Sports .com. The Franklin High School students recognized are shared here. For the full listing follow the link at the bottom.

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM BEST XI

Nadia Havens – Franklin – Defense

Nadia Havens – Franklin – Defense

Franklin senior defender Nadia Havens was a spark plug for the Panthers all season, whether playing at right back or in the heart of the back four. With Havens leading the way, the Franklin defense allowed only nine goals this year (a remarkable 11 goals in her two seasons as a starter) and helped the Panthers reach the 10-win mark again this fall. She also added five goals and three assists and was named an all-star by the Hockomock coaches and the Eastern Mass. Coaches Association. Franklin coach Tom Geysen said, “Nadia is a tenacious defender who never gives up on anything and is always where she needs to be.”

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM SECOND XI

Abigail Gipson – Franklin – Defense

Abigail Gipson – Franklin – Defense

Franklin senior central defender Abigail Gipson was a major factor in the Panthers defense being the best int eh league for a second straight season. She emerged as an outside back last season and moved into the middle this year, as Franklin allowed only nine goals (11 in her two years on varsity) and reached the 10-win mark. Gipson is a no-nonsense defender that never shied away from a challenge, which is one of the reasons that Gipson was named a team captain and selected as an all-star by the league’s coaches. Franklin coach Tom Geysen said, “She is a very strong, very skilled, and very dependable defender.”

Cat Robbins – Franklin – Goalie

Cat Robbins – Franklin – Goalie

Franklin junior goalie Cat Robbins had big shoes to fill when she stepped between the pipes this fall and she was instantly one of the top goalies in the league, allowing only nine goals and helping Franklin to 10 wins and only three defeats. Robbins played every second of every game this year and finished the season with 11 shutouts, allowed only 0.81 goals against per game, and was chosen as a second team Eastern Mass. All-Star. Franklin coach Tom Geysen said, “If we had a surprise this season, it was Cat. She stepped up big time. We knew that she could play goalie but had no idea how good she would be.”

For the complete listing of awards for girls soccer for the 2016 season
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/girls-soccer/2016-2/

"The Hockomock Sports .com Awards are selected strictly by our staff and have no affiliation to the official Hockomock League all stars. Please note players are listed by position."

FHS girls basketball drop opening game to Holy Name 45-39

Franklin, 39 vs. Holy Name, 45 – Final 

"– Sophomore Bea Bondhus led the way for the Panthers with 12 points, 11 of them in the third quarter. Carli Koffinke added seven points and Ali Brigham scored six for Franklin."

For all the results around the Hockomock League on Friday from HockomockSports.com
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-120916/

Photo from Twitter https://twitter.com/FHSSports/status/807372505472266240

In the News: peaker plant decision appealed; Super PACs in MA

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

"The Conservation Law Foundation is appealing a state board's decision to approve Exelon's plan to expand its Medway facility by adding 200 megawatts of generating power. 

The state Energy Facilities Siting Board tentatively approved the power generating company's plan in early November and later that month after a public hearing, issued a final approve for the 200-megawatt expansion, which calls for two dual-fuel turbines and tall smokestacks. 

https://twitter.com/stopmedwaypeak

In the 18-page appeal, the Conservation Law Foundation - one of four interveners in the board's process of reviewing the project - called the board's final decision a violation of the state's Global Warming Solutions Act, which calls for a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions - 25 percent below the 1990 levels by 2020 and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161209/medway-law-group-appeals-exelon-decision

You can find and read the full appeal document from the Conservation Law Foundation here
http://web1.env.state.ma.us/DPU/FileRoomAPI/api/Attachments/Get/?path=efsb15-01%2fNoticeofAppeal12816.pdf

"With Election Day a month behind us, new campaign finance reports reveal the role Super PACs played in Massachusetts races this year. A Nov. 30 analysis from the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance shows those independent expenditure groups increased the amount they spent in efforts to influence Massachusetts legislature races. Here's a closer look at Super PAC activity in the Bay State.

What is a Super PAC?
A Super PAC, or independent expenditure political action committee, is an organization that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money, but cannot directly coordinate with candidates or parties. They often run ads or campaigns independently to support or oppose particular candidates. Super PACs came into existence following the Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United ruling."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161208/five-things-to-know-about-super-pacs-in-massachusetts

In the News: white fox "Frankie"; college enrollment declining

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

"A rare white fox was captured Thursday in Franklin after spending the last few weeks visiting the yards of various homes near the state forest. 

The gregarious vixen, with soft streaks of red and black in her fur and black-tipped ears, was taken in by the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife after she was caught in cooperation with the Franklin animal control department. The capture followed a sighting reported to the agency Thursday morning. 

Dave Wattles, a black bear and furbearer biologist with the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, said the fox showed no indications of being rabid, though she has been vaccinated."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161209/rare-white-fox-captured-in-franklin/1

https://www.facebook.com/animaladventures.waycoolerthanazoo/videos/1374168705940101/

If you want to help the white fox "Frankie" listen to this
https://www.facebook.com/animaladventures.waycoolerthanazoo/videos/1374168705940101/

"Since hitting a peak in 2013, enrollment at Massachusetts public colleges and universities has decreased for the third consecutive year, posing challenges that education leaders are working to address. 

"This was predictable. All you had to do was go back 17, 18, 19 years ago and look at birth rates," state Higher Education Commissioner Carlos Santiago said. "We knew it was coming … But we don't want to just sit back and let those demographic trends take shape." 

After more than a decade of growth, public undergraduate enrollment in Massachusetts has declined by 10,744, or 5.5 percent, since 2013. There are an estimated 186,103 undergraduate students on public campuses in Massachusetts for the fall 2016 semester."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161208/college-enrollment-declining-in-massachusetts

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 12/9/16 - THU 12/15/16

FRIDAY 12/9/16 
9-10am   School Committee Coffee Hour @ 23 Hutchinson St.
10:30am   Knitting Circle for Adults @ Franklin Public Library
3-6pm    Second Warehouse Sale @Boston International, 210 Grove St
7:30pm   A Glass Slipper Christmas @ The Black Box

SATURDAY 12/10/16
8-4pm    Second Warehouse Sale @Boston International, 210 Grove St
9am-3pm   Book Sale @ Franklin Public Library
9-11am   Breakfast with Santa (supports Santa Foundation) @ British Beer Company (registration required)
10:30am-12:30pm   Holiday Workshop (vases/candleholders, grades 5 and up) @ Franklin Art Center
5-7pm   Santa @ Learning Express
7:30pm   A Glass Slipper Christmas @ The Black Box
7:30pm   Charles River Choral: Home For The Holidays @ Medway HS
8pm   Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Robbie O’Connell’s Celtic Christmas @ FUSF

SUNDAY 12/11/16
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Morning Breakfast @ Franklin Rod and Gun Club - open to public
9am-1pm   Photos with Santa @ Franklin Police Station
9am-12pm  Bag Sale @ Franklin Public Library
1-3pm   Cookies with Santa! @ Daddario Hardware Store
2pm   A Glass Slipper Christmas @ The Black Box
5:30pm   Annual FREE Christmas Concert and Dinner @ Medway Community Church

MONDAY 12/12/16
7-8:30pm   Learn To Cope Franklin Chapter Meeting @ FUSF

TUESDAY 12/13/16
1pm   Franklin Downtown Partnership Networking Lunch @ Dean College Dining Center
7pm   Yankee Quilters Guild Meeting @ St. John’s Episcopal Church (prospective members welcome)
7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Meeting @ Franklin YMCA (public welcome)

WEDNESDAY 12/14/16
6:30pm   Doggie Tales (grades 2 and up) @ Franklin Public Library (registration required)
7:30pm   Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club Monthly Meeting @ 3 Restaurant

THURSDAY 12/15/16
3pm   Memory Cafe for Caregivers and Their Loved Ones @ Franklin Senior Center (please call to register, free program)
7-8pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA

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 or shersteve@gmail.com

FHS wrestling team opens season with win over North Attleboro

From Hockomock Sports we share the wrestling results of the first winter sports match for FHS

North Attleboro, 22 @ Franklin, 40 – Final

This is confirmed with the tweet from the FHS Wrestling account:

Great 40-22 win over North with individual wins from Bakalars, Remilard, MacLean, Polito, Hernandez, Colella, and Coughlin #FHSWrestle

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) December 9, 2016

https://twitter.com/FHSSports/status/807000634457292800

FHS Wrestling (Twitter profile image)

For all the results around the Hockomock League on Thursday
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-120816/

Franklin Art Association January Meeting - Jan 4, 2017

The Franklin Art Association will meet on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 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 Sallie Strand, a contemporary abstract artist living and working in Waltham. 

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

Franklin Art Association

SOAR Performing Twice This Weekend

Out at Emerald Mall on Saturday, and you hear a band playing some good tunes, stop and give a listen. At least one of the band members if from Franklin!

----

Hi Steve,

My son Tyler is in the School of Rock's House Band (named SOAR) and they will be performing this weekend (see below). School of Rock is a performance-based music franchise, based (loosely) on the movie "School of Rock".

If you are out and about shopping this Saturday near the Emerald Square Mall in Attleboro, they are performing in the mall out in front of Sears 2pm - 3pm. No Christmas music, but they will be playing songs by these artists​

• Amy Winehouse
• Guns N' Roses
• Journey
• Kinks
• Paramore
• Pat Benatar
• Pink Floyd
• Rolling Stones
• Rush
• Scorpions
• Van Halen

SOAR Performing Twice This Weekend

Second Warehouse Sale - Friday and Saturday

"We have a special treat in the mix - just in time for the holidays!
The Boston International crew is planning a SECOND Warehouse Sale this year!!

Our first sale this year was such a big hit, and we've received so many comments that we should have another ASAP!

Well folks, we listened!!

So join us again for great deals and great products on FRIDAY DECEMBER 9TH 3-6 AND SATURDAY DECEMBER 10TH from 8 AM - 4 PM.

Share this event with friends and family - spread the good news!"

https://www.facebook.com/events/342447936117748/

https://www.facebook.com/events/342447936117748/

Where?
210 Grove St, Franklin, MA

Victims of Gravity at 2016 Franklin Cultural Festival (video)

Turning back time (or #TBT) to that Saturday in July when THE BLACK BOX had two stages going for a full day of musical performances.

“Vehicle” covered by Victims of Gravity on the Circle of Friends outdoor stage at THE BLACK BOX for the 2016 Franklin Cultural Festival.








For more about the Victims of Gravity
https://www.facebook.com/Victims-of-Gravity-325131732559/

Victims of Gravity (photo by Jake Jacobson)

The 3rd Annual Cultural Festival will be held in Franklin July 26 through July 29, 2017. Subscribe for email updates

"Collapse" the Chronicle show about honey bees features Ed Szymanski in one segment

via Ed Szymanski

"Collapse", the Chronicle show about honey bees (yes, I'm in it) will be re-aired this Friday night, Ch. 5, 7:30 PM. 

It's a great show talking about the troubles bees face and what is being done. 

Not just saying that because I'm part of it."

screen grab of the Chronicle intro

If you are out and about on Friday, here are links to view the video segments from the WCVB 5 archives

http://www.wcvb.com/.../chronicle-why-are-the.../41786964

http://www.wcvb.com/.../chronicle-theyll-take.../41787238

http://www.wcvb.com/.../chronicle-make-your.../41787062   (Ed is in this one!)

http://www.wcvb.com/.../chronicle-eat-candy-save.../41787050

screen grab of bees from the Chronicle show

For more about Neonicotinoids  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neonicotinoid

And "Beyond Pesticides"  http://www.beyondpesticides.org/programs/bee-protective-pollinators-and-pesticides/chemicals-implicated

For more about Ed  http://www.pchman.com/