Live Reporting: District and School Improvement Plans

c. DIP/SIP Program Reports – Joyce Edwards

DIP = District Improvement Plan
SIP = School Improvement Plans

Update on DIP and SIP at the School Committee meeting tonight #schcom0110 pic.twitter.com/x6LMtDcj2R

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 11, 2017

social emotional learning one of four objectives
Peter LIght presenting
working towards a 3X a month lesson on zones of regulation at elementary level
working on a documentary type video to share onw hat is being done in the Social Emotional Learning arena

Bilello - this format is very useful, easy to understand, consistency of the program is a challenge for a district this size; this is a good structure

Joyce Edwards picks up with this section
curriculum is the second objective
all schools working on science

FHS preparing for the NEASC visit on certification in March
K12 curriculum review on physical and health education
state guidelines date back to the 1990's so our work is more advanced than is required

homework policy under review with school committee policy subcommittee

FEA has some interest to work with the District on

climate and culture is the 3rd objective
update provided by Maureen
looking to enhance the feedback so it doesn't come from the principal to the teacher but would mostly come from peer to peer
interest based bargaining underway with the teachers union (FEA)

4th objective is around engagement with the community
Oak St is an example, parents did not understand the programs
the School Council planned for parent workshops to take place before the open house
very active Twitter accounts
can still grow the communication, teachers can be overwhelmed with the introduction of the various tools that are available; looking to go to an all Google platform which also includes a parent portal

Peter Light - I have never meet a harder working staff than what we have here in Franklin. There is a saturation point. we are looking to streamline the platform abudance by getting to Google

Bilello - another budget item where we don't have a full time technology leader or integration specialist to help us navigate through this

Live reporting: Foreign Language Overview

b. Foreign Language Overview – Laura Evans



creating "can do" statements for curriculum
focus on proficiency skills and will be built on from year to year

Shannon Martin - French Teacher

proficiency, and working vertically to achieve this
diverse resources used
one to one device at the high school, esp for technical tools

voice recorders, students record their voice, can review and play back to practice, or also submit to teacher for review

interactive games esp online are good for confirming learning as well as practice

enrichment via Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube used to hep continue learning outside of the classroom

use of authentic materials (rather than the text book)

more students are electing to continue beyond the college requirement

Stephanie Ahern, Emily Day
middle school Spanish Club

Pulsera project sold over 450 bracelets to raise over 2400 for artists in Nicaragua

Loreen and Briana - students at FHS
academic honor society

raised money with recycling bottles and cans, over $1000 raised
planning a Fiesta Friday for the whole school
Spanish themed food and events

Latin National Honor Society
while they don't speak in Latin at the meeting, there are cultural discussions and presentations, sharing interests
a new club (last year)
Saturnalia party held recently
tutoring project
working on a Heifer Project 

national convention held in Boston
whole department was enabled to go

Twitter chats around specific topics help to keep current

would love to see languages start as early as kindergarten
would love to see languages expand beyond Spanish French and Latin

Bilello - something I had not known much about but know that I have a child in the program, there is so much going on. How does starting earlier impact proficiency scores?

Bergen - we did have this program and it was lost over the years. To add more languages, it would require budget money

Jewell - is there any chance where we can have kids go oversees where kids can get immersed in the language?

World Challenge - previously held in the high school self funded by the students (not parents), organized and planned by students, some went to Ecuador, was a life changing experience for those who did it per Peter Light

O'Malley - it is most impressive to me that we don't just teach them and wait for them to come back again. The extension program is wonderfully interactive

Live Reporting: School Committee - Jan 10, 2017

Present: Bilello, Scofield, Douglas, Bergen, O'Malley, Schultz, Jewell
Absent: none


1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments - none
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the December 13, 2016 School Committee Meeting. 
recommend approval, seconded, passed 7-0

Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives

Nicolas Gnaman
a lot going on during the break
basketball event, Coaches vs. Cancer - raised $$$
wrestling, girls swim 4-0
girls track beat Mansfield
Frosh-Soph meeting on Sunday
academic team and mock trial scrimmaging to prepare
OSKEY coming up, planning underway (mid-Mayish)
Central Districts festival this weekend

Alexander Chitarra (absent - sports commitments)

Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Representative Jeffrey Roy
thank you for the opportunity to be here
sworn in as State Representative for 3rd term

congratulations to Maureen on your wind up
in my ten years on the committee, I'd worked with 4 superintendents
and you were good to work with

bills and priorities as topics for next session
Jan 20 filling deadline for this term

teen sexting bill stall in Ways and Means committee, looking to refile
addressing the situation as a request from the police to provide some options on what charges would be/could be filed against the teen offenders

student data privacy bill being crafted to meet needs of parents and students
don't want to turn schools into marketplaces 

annual physicals include evidence of screening by personal physicians rather than have the schools

looking for a driving course with actual practice sessions rather than just classroom instructions

curriculum frameworks for genocide, civics, and 

conference in Dec, walked away with info on IEP and individualized instruction
to bring it to ILP for all students currently voluntary for school districts

working with the manufacturing caucus
renaissance of manufacturing within MA is alive and well
want to close to universities where innovators are
need 100,000 highly skilled folks but don't have the people ready and qualified for these positions
Tegra Medical is one local Franklin manufacturer that is looking
announcement coming in Feb of program to help with this need

SAFE Coalition working to address opioid crisis

What is happening with the foundation budget?
that requires funding, money is in short supply?
but folks are talking about it

May 7 - Horace Mann statue scheduled for dedication, 2:00 PM

Bilello - thank you for all the work that you do for us and Medway especially with funding for education
technology costs money and it costs to keep it updated

Roy - as part of the student data privacy bill it did contain a provision for a specialist at the school district and it was removed, it is not the best way to spend the local district money

Bergen - thanks for the emphasis on the civics and genicide
bigger mental health issue, counselors 

Roy - human services funding some assistance on student loan repayment

Schultz - what can we do as a SchCom to help the foundation budget discussion?

Roy - keeping an open mind is probably one key, in a discussion on the individualized instruction, how important is class size in that discussion? That is a discussion that needs to take place, consider that. I am not an expert in the science of class size. It is one way to save money

O'Malley - I was here when the foundation budget started in 93 and it was talked of getting fixed in 94, it has been around a long time but hasn't been done? Why? Everything is changing and not to the inexpensive side of things. How can we get the urgency of our voice to the state house

Roy - I assure you that the urgency has been heard, at the same time that this was introduced a series of tax cuts were introduced to remove $3B in tax revenues, there is not any appetite in increasing taxes. Some folks have a glamorous view of what we are getting and we are paying for it. I worked on the road bill, it went to the voters and the $10B bill was turned down. So we now need to fund the roads from the same fund as education. If you are not prepared to pay for these things, you can't come to the Legislature and say what are you doing

O'Malley - the victims of all of this is our children

Franklin High School Placed on the College Board's 7th Annual AP® District Honor Roll for Significant Gains in Student Access and Success

Franklin High School is one of 433 school districts in the U.S. and Canada being honored by the College Board with placement on the 7th Annual AP® District Honor Roll. To be included on the 7th Annual Honor Roll, Franklin High School increased the number of students participating in AP courses while also increasing or maintaining the percentage of students earning AP Exam scores of 3 or higher. Reaching these goals shows that this district is successfully identifying motivated, academically prepared students who are ready for AP.

"This recognition is evidence of the collective effort our PreK-12 administration and teachers to establish high academic expectations for all students. This is not only a HS honor but it recognizes the efforts of all PreK-12 educators and their commitment to expanding options and opportunities for all students. This distinction reaffirms our core values that a rigorous yet inclusive educational program raises achievement for all students", noted Dr. Sabolinski, Superintendent of Schools.

National data from 2016 show that among black/African American, Hispanic, and Native American students with a high degree of readiness for AP, only about half are participating. The first step to getting more of these students to participate is to give them access. Courses must be made available, gatekeeping must stop, and doors must be equitably opened. Franklin Public Schools is committed to expanding the availability of AP courses among prepared and motivated students of all backgrounds.

"Congratulations to all the teachers and administrators in this district who have worked so tirelessly to both expand access to AP and also to help students succeed on the AP Exams," said Trevor Packer, the College Board's head of AP and Instruction. "These teachers and administrators are delivering real opportunity in their schools and classrooms, and students are rising to the challenge." 

Helping more students learn at a higher level and earn higher AP scores is an objective of all members of the AP community, from AP teachers to district and school administrators to college professors. Many districts are experimenting with initiatives and strategies to see how they can expand access and improve student performance at the same time.

In 2016, more than 4,000 colleges and universities around the world received AP scores for college credit, advanced placement, or both, and/or consideration in the admission process.

Inclusion on the 7th Annual AP District Honor Roll is based on a review of three years of AP data, from 2014 to 2016, looking across 37 AP Exams, including world language and culture. The following criteria were used.

Districts must:

• Increase participation/access to AP by at least 4% in large districts, at least 6 % in medium districts, and at least 11% in small districts;
• Increase or maintain the percentage of exams taken by black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, and American Indian/Alaska Native students; and
• Improve or maintain performance levels when comparing the 2016 percentage of students scoring a 3 or higher to the 2014 percentage, unless the district has already attained a performance level at which more than 70% of its AP students earn a 3 or higher.

When these outcomes have been achieved among an AP student population in which 30% or more are underrepresented minority students (black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, and American Indian/Alaska Native) and/or 30% or more are low-income students (students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch), a symbol has been affixed to the district name to highlight this work.

Franklin High School

More information about FHS can be found on their webpage
http://franklinhigh.vt-s.net/Pages/index

More information about Franklin, MA Schools can be found on their webpage
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/index

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Jan 10, 2017

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

AGENDA

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which

may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed

and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent

permitted by law."

Call to order Dr. O’Malley
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence

the key to learning

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the December 13, 2016 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives

1. Nicolas Gnaman
2. Alexander Chitarra

Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Representative Jeffrey Roy
b. Foreign Language Overview – Laura Evans
c. DIP/SIP Program Reports – Joyce Edwards

3. Discussion Only Items
none

4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of the ACCEPT Annual Report for 2015-16.
b. I recommend acceptance of the BICO Annual Report for 2015-16.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,100.00 from Franklin Music Parents for in-house enrichment for the district.
d. I recommend acceptance of the following checks totaling $8,470.90 for FHS as follows:

1. $1,800.00 Music Boosters for in-house enrichment
2. $789.90 All American Publishing for in-house enrichment
3. $50.00 Jesse Southwick for Mr. Kitanosono scholarship
4. $50.00 Lueders Environmental Inc. for Mr. Kitanosono scholarship
5. $330.00 Franklin Music Parents for in-house enrichment
6. $250.00 from various donors for the J Schaeffer Scholarship
7. $1,500.00 from Walmart for in-house enrichment.
8. $3,701.00 from Vicario Studios for in-house enrichment

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

• Budget Sub Committee – Dr. O’Malley

School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Motion to Adjourn 
– Dr. O’Malley

Broadway’s Matthew Scott To Headline THE BLACK BOX Broadway Series

Broadway’s Matthew Scott performs a one-night-only show at THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s theater, music and event venue, on Saturday, January 21. Beginning at 8 p.m., the event is the second in THE BLACK BOX Broadway Series, sponsored by Childs Engineering. The series, new this season, kicked off in November with Tony Award winner Beth Leavel. 

Fresh off his Broadway run as Adam Hochberg in An American in Paris, Matthew Scott will perform a solo cabaret show. 
 

Broadway’s Matthew Scott

His Broadway credits also include Jersey Boys, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Actors’ Fund), A Catered Affair with Harvey Fierstein, and Sondheim on Sondheim starring Barbara Cook and Vanessa Williams. His regional credits include The Light in the Piazza at the Philadelphia Theatre Company, for which he won the Barrymore Award for Best Supporting Actor; Chaplin (La Jolla Playhouse); A Wonderful Life (Goodspeed Opera House); Eden and Unknown Soldier (The O’Neill Theatre Center); West Side Story (The Muny); Ragtime, My Fair Lady and Carousel (all at Paper Mill Playhouse); Beaches, Company and Side by Side by Sondheim (all at the Signature Theatre); and Legally Blonde, Swing!, Les Misérables and Sunset Boulevard opposite Liz Callaway (all for the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera). 

Television appearances include First You Dream: The Music of Kander & Ebb for PBS, All My Children, and the 2006 and 2009 Tony Awards. 

Seating options for THE BLACK BOX Broadway Series feature general admission ($45) and a premiere ticket with reserved table seating ($65). A suburban hub for great music, THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

FHS swim teams top Attleboro

From HockomockSports we share the results of Monday's FHS winter sports action


Boys Swimming = Franklin, 93 @ Attleboro, 76 – Final

Girls Swimming = Franklin, 107 @ Attleboro, 63 – Final

FHS Panthers

– Junior Ashley Loomis and senior Helen Huang each won a pair of individual events and were apart of two winning relay teams. Loomis won the 200 and 500 free while Huang took first in the 50 and 100 free. Huang and Loomis teamed up with Leah Benoit and Audrey Finn to take first in the 200 free relay. Isabel Capecci and Katie McGuire were apart of the first place 400 free relay with Huang and Loomis.

Gymnastics = Franklin, 114.5 @ North Attleboro, 136.7 – Final

– Franklin’s top all around finish came from Liz Traphagen. Traphagen scored 8.0 on vault, 7.8 on bars, 8.5 on beam and 8.6 on floor.

For the remainder of the results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-010917/

Via the Twitterverse

Franklin Boys swim team improve to 3-1 overall by defeating Attleboro today 93-76. #PantherPride

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) January 9, 2017

Franklin Lady swimmers go 4-0 with a win over Attleboro 107-63. And our 200 Free Relay Qualified for STATE! #PantherPride

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) January 9, 2017

Franklin Youth Baseball registration now open

FYBO is pleased to announce on-line registration is open. You can register at www.franklinyouthbaseball.com

For new players and returning players paying registration by check, open registrations will be 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM January 28th and February 4th at the Franklin Elks Club located at 1077 Pond Street.

Birth certificates are needed at the time of registration for all new players.

We are also looking for head and assistant coaches at this time. Interested parents can register on-line (just like you would for a player) and stop by one of the open registration times to fill out the required CORI forms.

We will be accepting umpire sign ups at open registration as well.

FYBO still has open positions on the board for Bath Ruth Coordinators, Assistant Rookie League Coordinator as well as Summer League Reps for Big Diamond and Barnstormers. If you are interested in donating your time for the kids please us know.

You can reach us at: franklinyouthbaseball@yahoo.com

image from Franklin Youth Baseball Webpage

Winnie the Pooh Party - Franklin Library - Jan 14 - 10:30 AM

Come to the Hundred Acre Wood (also known as the Franklin Library) for a Winnie the Pooh Party on Saturday, Jan 14, 2017 at 10:30 AM

Winnie the Pooh Party - Franklin Library - Jan 14 - 10:30 AM

This was shared from the Franklin Library webpage
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/01/winnie-pooh-party-saturday-january-14.html

"felt the bylaw as written was anti-business"

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

"The town is reconsidering a 1975 bylaw that requires businesses to clear nearby sidewalks of snow. 

The Town Council recently voted to repeal the bylaw - which sets a 12-hour time limit for businesses to remove snow - at the suggestion of Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting. A second vote is needed before the repeal occurs. 

When the bylaw was passed, Nutting said, most of the Franklin's businesses were located downtown, so clearing the sidewalk in front of storefronts was a straightforward proposition. Now, he said, businesses are located in many places throughout town, including the area along Rte. 140, Kenwood Circle and Union Street and in the two industrial parks. 

"I don't think it's practical any more," he said. "I don't think we've written tickets (for it) in the years that I know of."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170109/franklin-re-examining-snow-bylaw

evidence that the DPW does get to clear the sidewalks of snow. However one must also ask if the Downtown Project took so long, to plan, couldn't they atleast have put the pole on the side of the sidewalk?

Take the poll on this to rewrite or remove the bylaw
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/should-sidewalk-snow-removal-bylaw-be.html

Reminder: Two speakers about walks in future and walks today

Just a reminder that The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club next event is this Wednesday, January 11. We are hosting two local speakers; local Author and Community Volunteer Alan Earls will update us on the Charles River Meadowlands. He will talk about the over 500 acres of open space that make this one of the great land preservation and management opportunities in our region. 

Also, local Author and Historian Marjorie Turner Hollman will introduce us to a treasure trove of outdoor recreational opportunities in our area. She has authored books highlighting easy walks and hikes in our locale. She will share her knowledge of hidden gems in our area waiting to be explored.

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 7:30pm on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. We run our meetings September through May. Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

For more information, please visit our website www.franklinnewcomers.com or our Facebook page, Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club.

even in the snow, the woods are lovely at DelCarte

Related post

• 2nd edition of Easy Walks with links to three easy walks in Franklin

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/2nd-edition-of-easy-walks-in-ma-now.html

Would you like to present or perform at the Third Annual Franklin Cultural Festival?

The Franklin Cultural District Festival Committee is pleased to announce that it will be hosting the Third Annual Franklin Cultural Festival from Wednesday, July 26 to Saturday, July 29, 2017. 

The Festival will take place in various locations in downtown Franklin including: THE BLACK BOX (inside and outside on its stage), the Brick School, the Historical Museum, the Town Common, the Franklin United Methodist Church, and Franklin High School.

To highlight and support all presenters, the Festival Committee is seeking Performing groups/individuals, Visual Artists, and area Restaurants/Food Service businesses to participate in the Festival.

Please see the information attached regarding the Schedule of Events. There are three separate applications on the Cultural District Website: 

1. Performers/Music
2. Visual Artists 
3. Culinary Arts

Please select the application that best fits your presentation.

If you have any questions/concerns, please contact the Franklin Cultural District Festival Committee at: FranklinCulturalDistrict@gmail.com

Completed applications must be received by 5:00 PM on February 28, 2017 to be considered. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Third Annual Franklin Cultural Festival from Wednesday, July 26 to Saturday, July 29, 2017

Cover letter (includes draft schedule of events)
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczVG9STXVFVHFRWjQ

Performers/Music Application
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczbVRJLUIxcy1XUmc

Visual Artists Application
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczU2dTbnA4c0dXeFk

Culinary Arts Application
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczMUlEWC1weFg5eWM

Should the sidewalk snow removal bylaw be rewritten or removed?

Town Council is considering disabling the bylaw on sidewalk snow removal for retail areas. Given that as currently written it is reported to be unenforceable; should it be (1) rewritten or (2) removed?

There is a poll widget on the Franklin Matters page in the top right corner. Please record your answer there and feel free to elaborate in the comments here.

-----------

From the Town Code  http://ecode360.com/10434215?highlight=sidewalk#10434215

§ 147-1Time limit for removal.

Owners of premises in which business may be conducted and which premises abut a public way shall, within 12 hours after a snowstorm, remove all accumulations of snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of said premises.

§ 147-2Violations and penalties.

[Added 12-9-1987 by Bylaw Amendment 87-114]

Whoever violates the provision of § 147-1 above shall forfeit and pay for each violation a fine not exceeding $25.

taken on a walk Sunday morning, approx 12 hours after the storm ended

FHS strong performances at Frosh-Soph Indoor meet

Some sports and FHS highlights via the Twitterverse

@FHS_PCC reminder: mtg tonight (mon 1/9) at 7 in FHS media center. All are welcome!!

— FranklinHighSchool (@FranklinHS) January 9, 2017

Thank you to all who supported the FHS Basketball Coaches Vs. Cancer event. Over $700 was raised for the American Cancer Society!!!

— Karen (@karenmahon73) January 9, 2017

6-2 win over Framingham at the vet, coon hat to Sicchio pic.twitter.com/herJZ84tZy

— FHS Panthers JV Puck (@PanthersJvPuck) January 9, 2017

Keep working hard wrestlers! You are embarking on very special season. Hard work in the Fitness Center and on the mat will get you there! https://t.co/9fs5bSsqX4

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) January 9, 2017

Girls Fr/So 4x400 relay takes 1st with a 4:14 pic.twitter.com/VlMkN1PMZI

— Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) January 8, 2017

MSTCA FS Large School Girls 300 Meter 42.61 H. Atkinson Franklin @MileSplitMass #mstca pic.twitter.com/O2jz0Nljgn

— MSTCA (@MSTCA1) January 8, 2017

Fenerty takes 2nd in the 600m race with the fifth fastest time run in MA this season! pic.twitter.com/HQTv2xMiKz

— Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) January 8, 2017

Atkinson and Pierre take 1st and 2nd place at the Fr/So meet! Congrats ladies pic.twitter.com/VInmeDlzqS

— Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) January 8, 2017

Girls Fr/So 4x400 relay takes 1st with a 4:14

The complete performance results from the MSTCA McIntyre Meet on Sunday can be viewed here



or here (PDF)
http://www.mstca.org/Winter_Season/Winter%202017/fslargeperflist.pdf

Register O'Donnell Highlights 2016 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Highlights 2016 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity While 2016 was in may ways a tumultuous year, both nationally and internationally, Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell also reported it was a solidly impressive one for the local Norfolk County real estate market. Register O'Donnell noted, "A review of 2016 showed a strong across-the-board performance when it came to Norfolk County real estate. During the year, the number of residential and commercial properties sold increased 4%." In addition, the total volume of residential and commercial sales in 2016 came in at $9.1 billion, an impressive 12% increase year over year. The average sales price, for both residential and commercial, was $775,031, an increase of 8% over 2015. Another positive economic indicator was the 167,600 land documents recorded, a 6% increase from the prior year. "These numbers indicate that Norfolk County remains a desirable location to raise a family and secure gainful employment," noted O'Donnell. The year 2016 was also a robust one for real estate financing in Norfolk County. A total of 35,159 mortgages were recorded, representing an 11% increase from 2015. Total mortgage financing closed at $19.3 billion, a 5% increase from the previous year. Register O'Donnell stated, "Clearly, a strong economy in eastern Massachusetts, coupled with low interest rates, were the key factors." Norfolk County residents continued to avail themselves of the protections provided by the Homestead Act. A total of 12,573 Homesteads were recorded in 2016, a 4% increase over 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. I urge homeowners who have not recorded a Homestead against their primary residence to consider this valuable consumer protection tool." One note of concern in an otherwise bright market was foreclosure activity. A total of 294 foreclosure deeds were filed in Norfolk County in 2016, compared to 250 in the previous year. In addition, Notice to Foreclose Mortgage, the first step in the foreclosure process, also increased by 3.7%. Register O'Donnell noted, "These numbers are quite sobering. While one foreclosure is one too many, there is a silver lining in the 4th quarter of 2016, the Registry saw significant reductions in the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings. I am cautiously hopeful these trend lines will continue." The Registry continues to partner with Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 and NeighborWorks Southern Mass at (508) 598-0950 to help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender. Another option for consumers is to call the Massachusetts Attorney General's HomeCorps program at (617) 573-5333. Register O'Donnell concluded, "Norfolk County real estate market experienced solid growth in 2016. A strong economy in eastern Massachusetts, coupled with low interest rates, propelled consumers to spend on housing, even in light of the reduced inventory. In 2017, it will be interesting to see if this activity can be sustained, especially in light of the increase in interest rates by the Federal Reserve." 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 screen grab of Norfolk Deeds webpage

Franklin MA: Planning Board - Agenda - Jan 9, 2017

The agenda for the Planning Board meeting scheduled for Monday, Jan 9 2017 has been posted to the Town of Franklin webpage

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/january_9_2017.pdf


I had missed that the development for the Pond St property was already in public hearing mode. The full agenda can be viewed here (PDF window)




or here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczbTd1NXliQUcxTWc/view?usp=sharing

site of the former Franklin sewer works (photo from a walk in Sep 2015)

Important Cultural District Planning Meeting - Jan 19 - 7:00 PM

The Town of Franklin’s Department of Planning and Community Development invites you to attend a meeting at 7:00 p.m. on January 19, 2017 to hear an update on plans for a Cultural District in Downtown Franklin.

The Cultural District Steering Committee has worked hard for more than two years to draw attention to Franklin’s great cultural resources, advocate for creation of the Franklin Cultural District, and organize the annual Franklin Cultural Festival.

The Committee and Town staff are looking for your input regarding the creation of a state designated Cultural District and related management issues, as well as support for ongoing and potential cultural activities.

Input and ongoing involvement of all Franklin organizations and individuals is desired to develop a strong partnership consisting of cultural organizations, historical and community organizations, non-profits, private businesses, government agencies, educational and faith based institutions, and individual artists. All are encouraged to participate in this partnership.

Anyone in need of additional information should contact the Town of Franklin’s Department of Planning and Community Development.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Bryan W. Taberner, AICP

Director of Planning and Community Development
355 East Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038-1352
Phone: 508-520-4907
Fax: 508-520-4906
Email: btaberner@franklin.ma.us


When: 
Thursday January 19, 2017, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: 
Franklin Municipal Building
355 East Central Street, Town Council Chambers

Arts Happen Here in Franklin, MA!

Note: I am volunteering my time and effort as part of the Cultural District Steering Committee to make this happen for Franklin.

FHS wrestling takes 3 more wins on Saturday

Via the Twitterverse

Franklin wins the Red Hawk Duals finishing the day 3-0 with a 35-29 win over Natick with pins from Carlucci, Racca, and Colella #FHSWrestle

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) January 7, 2017

Another great 72-6 win over Waltham with pins from Carlucci, Racca, Remillard, Farrell, MacLean, Cropper, Hernandez, Coughlin, and Downing

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) January 7, 2017

Great start with a 54-18 win over Haverhill with pins from Carlucci, Bakalars, Racca, MacLean, Cropper, Cogavin, and Colella #FHSWrestle

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) January 7, 2017

Franklin Wrestling

"In a matchup of unbeaten perennial state wrestling powers in the finals of the inaugural Redhawks Duals tournament, Franklin snapped a tie when Mike Racca won by pin at 120 pounds in the final match to lift the Panthers to a championship win by a 35-29 score over host Natick on Saturday. 

The score was tied 29-29 as each team won seven matches heading into the decisive matchup at 120 pounds. 

"It was a great match with hard-fought wrestling and a lot of fun," said Franklin coach Carmine Colace. 

"It was a great match," said Natick coach Bob Anniballi. "They are one of the best Division 1 teams (in the state)."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/sports/20170107/schools-franklin-wrestling-topples-natick-in-redhawks-duals-tournament