Register O'Donnell Reports on April 2017 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Reports on April 2017 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity A mixed bag of results is the best way to describe real estate activity in Norfolk County for the month of April, according to Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell. April's real estate sales fell by 8% year over year. A total of 1,248 properties were sold in April compared to 1,358 in April 2016. However, total dollar volume of real estate sales, both residential and commercial, came in at $774 million for the month, a whopping 56% increase from the same time period in 2016. "This increase was significantly impacted by a $199 million sale of the Windsor Gardens apartment complex in Norwood," noted O'Donnell. Lending activity decreased during April , in line with expectations. O'Donnell noted, "Just 1,907 mortgages were recorded in April compared to 2,636 in April 2016, a significant decrease of 28%. In addition, the total amount of borrowing for April was $999 million, a 3% reduction from the same time period in 2016. Clearly, consumers are taking into account the recent rise in interest rates when making a decision to purchase a home. Also, the lack of inventory to sell has impacted the numbers." There were also mixed results when it came to April's foreclosure activity. The bad news: the number of foreclosure deeds doubled last month to 32 compared to 16 during the same time period in 2016. Conversely, the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings, the first step in the foreclosure process, was 48 in contrast to 68 filings in April 2016. This drop off in filings represented a 29% decrease from the previous year. Register O'Donnell stated, "While I am concerned about the number of foreclosure deed recordings, I was heartened by the significant reduction in the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings. It is my hope that the worst of the foreclosure crisis is behind us." The Registry continues to work with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x-376, and NeighborWorks Southern Mass, 508-587-0950 to help homeowners who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage document. A third option is to contact the Attorney General's HomeCorps program at 617-573-3333. Norfolk County homeowners continued to take advantage of the consumer protections offered through the Homestead Act. A total of 855 Homesteads were recorded during April. "The Homestead law provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. I strongly urge Norfolk County residents to consider this consumer protection tool," noted O'Donnell. In conclusion Register O'Donnell stated, "While the economy remains on a solid footing in eastern Massachusetts, the continued low housing inventory levels are having a negative effect on Norfolk County's real estate market. Prospective homebuyers, particularly first-time homebuyers, are bidding on a limited number of properties. This results in higher sale prices. With regards to the lending market, I see a continued drop-off in lending activity, based on expected interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve through the 2017 calendar year." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street, Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Register O'Donnell Reports on April 2017 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity

"I wanted to be an example of hard work and perseverance for my daughters.

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

"Karen Laven felt stuck in her job and as a mother of two. 

She wanted to be a role model for her two daughters and pursue the dreams she had once set aside to raise a family. 

She wanted to make it up “the mountain,” she said. 

And on Saturday, standing before hundreds of her fellow Dean College graduates and a rain-enduring crowd, the business management student was surely, finally, at the top."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170507/franklin-dean-college-grads-urged-to-seek-truth-dreams

the sun shone on the Dean campus on Friday
and the rains came for graduation on Saturday

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 10, 2017

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 10, 2017

(Note: where there are active links in the agenda item column, it will take you to the associated document. The full 147 page PDF can be found at the end.)

Town Council Agenda	May 10, 2017
A. Approval of Minutes	Approval of April 12, 2017 Minutes
B. Announcements	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	C. Proclamations/Recognitions
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 give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter
E. Appointments	1. Conservation Commission 2. Cultural Council
F. Hearings	F. Hearings
G. License Transactions	1. BJ's Wholesale Club - Change of Location 2. Liquor World - Transfer of License 3. LaCantina Winery - Farmer's Market License
H. Presentations and Discussions	H. Presentations/Discussions: 1. Franklin Food Pantry 2. Safe Coalition
I. Subcommittee Reports	I. Subcommittee Reports
J. Legislation for Action	Memo - 17-23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
1. Resolution 17-23: Appropriation: FY 2017 Operating Budget Transfers (Motion to Move REsolution 17-23 - Majority Vote (5))	1. Resolution 17-23: Appropriation: FY 2017 Operating Budget Transfers (Motion to Move Resolution 17-23 - Majority Vote (5))
2. Resolution 17-24: Appropriation: Library Historical Records (Motion to Move Resolution 17-24 - Majority Vote (5))	2. Resolution 17-24: Appropriation: Library Historical Records (Motion to Move Resolution 17-24 - Majority Vote (5))
3. Resolution 17-25: Appropriation: Snow & Ice Salaries (Motion to Move Resolution 17-25 - Majority Vote (5))	3. Resolution 17-25: Appropriation: Snow & Ice Salaries (Motion to Move Resolution 17-25 - Majority Vote (5))
4. Resolution 17-26: Appropriation: Roads/sidewalks/drainage/stormwater and infrastructure and all costs incidental and related thereto (Motion to Move Resolution 17-26 - Majority Vote (5))	4. Resolution 17-26: Appropriation: Roads/sidewalks/drainage/stormwater and infrastructure and all costs incidental and related thereto (Motion to Move Resolution 17-26 - Majority Vote (5))
5. Resolution 17-27: Appropriation: Turf Field Replacement (Motion to Move REsolution 17-27 - Majority 2/3 vote (6))	5. Resolution 17-27: Appropriation: Turf Field Replacement (Motion to Move Resolution 17-27 - Majority 2/3 vote (6))
6. Resolution 17-28: Appropriation: OPEB Trust Fund (Motion to Move Resolution 17-28 - Majority vote (5))	6. Resolution 17-28: Appropriation: OPEB Trust Fund (Motion to Move Resolution 17-28 - Majority vote (5))
7. Resolution 17-29: Ratification of the Memoranda of Agreements between the Town of Franklin and Nine Municipal Unions (Motion to Move Resolution 17-29 - Majority Vote (5))	7. Resolution 17-29: Ratification of the Memoranda of Agreements between the Town of Franklin and Nine Municipal Unions (Motion to Move Resolution 17-29 - Majority Vote (5))
8. Resolution 17-30: Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53D, Authorizing a Municipal Revolving Fund for Self-Supporting Recreational and Park Services (Motion to Move Resolution 17-30 - Majority vote (5))	8. Resolution 17-30: Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53D, Authorizing a Municipal Revolving Fund for Self-Supporting Recreational and Park Services (Motion to Move Resolution 17-30 - Majority vote (5))
9. Bylaw Amendment 17-789: Amendment to Water System Map - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-789 - Majority Roll Call Vote - (5))	9. Bylaw Amendment 17-789: Amendment to Water System Map - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-789 - Majority Roll Call Vote - (5))
10. Bylaw Amendment 17-790: Amendment to Sewer System Map - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-790 - Majority Roll Call Vote - (5))	10. Bylaw Amendment 17-790: Amendment to Sewer System Map - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment  17-790 - Majority Roll Call Vote - (5))
11. Bylaw Amendment 17-791: New Chapter 73, Departmental Revolving Funds - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-791 to a 2nd Reading - Majority Vote - (5))	11. Bylaw Amendment 17-791: New Chapter 73, Departmental Revolving Funds - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-791 to a 2nd Reading - Majority Vote - (5))
12: Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-792: Use Regulations for Brewery, Distillery, or Winery with a Tasting Room - Referral to Planning Board (Motion to refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-792 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote (5))	12: Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-792: Use Regulations for Brewery, Distillery, or Winery with a Tasting Room - Referral to Planning Board (Motion to refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-792 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote (5))
K. Town Administrator's Report	K. Town Administrator's Report
L. Future Agenda Items	L. Future Agenda Items
M. Council Comments	M. Council Comments
N. Executive Session	N. Executive Session
O. Adjourn	O. Adjourn

Full PDF of agenda removed for security reasons 

on Friday morning, the assembly looked complete. The mulch needed to be spread around again

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - May 9, 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."

the key to learning

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the April 25, 2017 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. STEM Update – Science Team
b. Digital Learning – Digital Learning Team

3. Discussion Only Items


4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care for a scholarship for a former ASMS student.
b. I recommend acceptance of donations totaling $1200.00 for scholarships as follows:

1. $1,150.00 Robert Lima
2. $50.00 K. Kitanosono

c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $285.00 from BJ’s Wholesale Club for district wide in-house enrichment.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $312.00 from Franklin Music Parents for district wide in-house enrichment.
e. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip for Middle School Music students to travel to Canobie Lake Park in Salem, NH on June 9,
2017 as detailed.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $200.00 from the Keller PCC for field trips.

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

a. Policy – Ms. Scofield

b. Community Relations – Ms. Schultz
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

Stress Relief Workshop for kids scheduled for July 10 -14

Stress is inevitable in life, but managing it is possible.

Help your kids face life's challenges! We can teach them how to prevent and manage stress through meditation and mindfulness activities. Targeted for kids 8-13 years old.

Workshop runs from 10-14 July, 3-5 p.m. 

See flyer for more details: http://bit.ly/JCmeditationworkshop

Hockomock Area YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day® free community event set for May 13 at Patriot Place in Foxboro

On Saturday, May 13, the Hockomock Area YMCA is celebrating Healthy Kids Day® with a free community event that encourages kids to be active and provides families with options and methods for living healthier lives. The event will take place at Patriot Place in Foxborough from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fun, creative, and healthy activities for children will take place at NRG Plaza, located outside The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon.

“Our Y is excited to once again celebrate Healthy Kids Day and appreciates the support and collaboration with our good friends at Patriot Place who will host us for the fifth consecutive year,” said Ed Hurley, president of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “Healthy Kids Day reinforces the importance of our Healthy Futures initiative and encourages kids and families to keep their minds and bodies active, and enjoy healthier lifestyles.”

“We are thrilled to once again host the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day,” said Patriot Place General Manager Brian Earley. “All of us at Patriot Place are proud to partner with such an innovative, mission-driven organization on a signature event that showcases the importance of healthy lifestyles in our community.”

Healthy Kids Day will feature active play and engaging activities throughout the NRG Plaza and parking lot, including youth and family fitness challenges, gymnastics obstacle courses, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning activities, an interactive photo booth, fire and police safety, air brush tattoos, arts and crafts, garden and planting activities, food samples and more. Join Hockomock Y Summer Camp staff for some favorite camp activities including tie-dye shirts, Gaga Pit ball games, arts and crafts and more fun. Elmo and a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle will be making appearances during the event and prizes, coupons and goody bags will also be part of the day for all attendees.

Community partners include Healthy Kids Day event sponsors Norwood Hospital and Stop and Shop and the following Patriot Place businesses: Bass Pro Shops, Brigham and Women’s Rehabilitation Services, Brigham and Women’s/MGH Health Care Center, 5 Wits, Menchie's Frozen Yogurt, and the New England Revolution. Additional community partners include: CBS Radio 103.3 AMP Team, Chestnut Dental, Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation, Enable Inc. Early Intervention, Franklin Food Pantry, Fuel Up to Play 60, Hulafrog, Kind Snacks, Macaroni Kids, Mansfield Community Garden, Medway Community Farm, New York Life Insurance, Pediatric Dental Healthcare, RWL Weightlifting, Sturdy Memorial Hospital, and Tufts Health Plan.

Free STEM activities at HKD2016

The Dana Farber Blum Family Resource Center Van will be on site to provide sun safety and skin cancer-related information and screening at no cost.

The New England Revolution’s street team will also be on-site with giveaways, soccer accuracy kicking for kids and additional activities that include a life-sized Jenga game, beanbag toss, and the opportunity to win tickets to attend a Revs match that evening or on May 21.

“Encouraging lifelong education and an enthusiasm for learning are key components of our Y’s youth development focus. Healthy Kids Day is another forum for our Y to provide kids and families with further opportunities to learn, grow and have fun together,” said Earley, who also serves as Chairman of the Hockomock Area YMCA Board of Directors.

The community is invited to participate in the Y’s Healthy Food Access Food Drive taking place now at YMCA branches in Foxborough, Franklin and North Attleboro and other community locations. Healthy Futures Franklin will be hosting a ‘Stuff a Truck Challenge’ benefiting the Franklin Food Pantry. The Franklin Food Pantry will bring their mobile pantry truck to the event and challenge the community to fill it with healthier food items. Suggested items include whole grain products, brown rice/quinoa, lower sodium hearty soups, canned vegetables/fruit, beans, oatmeal, nuts, spices, and household/personal care items.

All participants will be required to display a Healthy Kids Day wrist band which will be provided at no charge when you visit the check-in tents located at the entrance to NRG Plaza, near The Hall. In order to expedite check-in, Pre-Registration is offered at hockymca.org/foxboro/healthy-kids-day.

About The Hockomock Area YMCAWhere Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information, visit hockymca.org. 

About Patriot Place 

Patriot Place is a shopping, dining and entertainment destination located adjacent to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Patriot Place features large and boutique retailers, 17 casual to high-end restaurants and other nightlife venues. Among the highlights of Patriot Place are New England’s first Bass Pro Shops, a state-of-the-art, 14-screen Showcase Cinema De Lux, the 16,000-square-foot CBS Scene Restaurant and Bar, the award-winning Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon, the retro-style bowling alley, Splitsville Luxury Lanes featuring live entertainment by Howl at the Moon, the four-star Renaissance Boston Patriot Place Hotel and the Hilton Garden Inn Foxborough/Patriot Place. For more information, visit www.patriot-place.com, follow Patriot Place on Twitter (twitter.com/patriotplace) or like Patriot Place on Facebook (facebook.com/patriotplace).

Pleasant Street construction begins May 8

Milling and paving operations on Pleasant Street from Monterey Drive to approximately house #396 Pleasant St will begin the week of May 8th and is expected to be completed within several weeks, depending upon the weather and construction conditions. 

Traffic will be maintained with alternating one way traffic during work hours.

Pleasant Street Construction begins May 8

This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/pleasant-street-construction

Peace Week at HMMS kicks off May 8

On Monday, May 8th at 12:15, Bill Richard from the Martin Richard Foundation will be speaking to the students at the Horace Mann Middle School in Franklin, Massachusetts. 

Mr. Richard will be kicking off Peace Week at HMMS by spreading his son, Martin’s message: “No more hurting people. Peace.” As you may remember, Martin was the 8 year old boy killed during the Boston bombings.

Peace Week at HMMS will actually begin at 7:00am on May 8th with a surprise welcome. Students will be greeted by members of the HMMS Community Service Club and the Franklin High School 40% Club. This will be a “Morning of Happiness”.

The remainder of the week will include a Wall of Compliments, a Kindness Raffle and another surprise message on Thursday morning.

Horace Mann MIddle School on a bright and sunny summer day

“The unqualified man tends to win”

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

"Inspired by Hillary Clinton’s presidential candidacy, and still stunned by Donald Trump’s victory, increasing numbers of Democratic women are diving into Massachusetts politics. 

“The national political environment we’re in, that’s the backdrop to every political discussion,” said Lexington resident Mary Ann Stewart, a freshly declared candidate in the upcoming special election to fill the 4th Middlesex seat in the state Senate. “I think it was a huge wake-up call to people.” 

Before his win in the presidential election, Trump drew frequent criticism over comments he made about women. On a leaked “Access Hollywood” tape, the future president was caught boasting, in vulgar terms, about groping women. He disparaged a female political rival’s looks, then criticized a former beauty queen’s weight gain. 

The 2016 election provided a stark illustration of the uphill climb women face in the world of politics, said Roslindale resident Katie Forde."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170505/more-massachusetts-women-jumping-into-politics

Take a chance to help the SAFE Coalition

Take a chance to help the SAFE Coalition

$20 per Chance

for a

$1000 Basket of Scratch Tickets*

Only 500 Raffle Tickets to be Sold


Drawing @ 1:30 pm, May 22, 2017


SAFE Coalition 2nd Annual Golf Tournament
Franklin Country Club, 672 E. Central St, Franklin, MA


To Purchase: Contact Rita Graci (bgraci@comcast.net)

SAFE Coalition Raffle

† Winner need not be present
* Massachusetts State Lottery

This was shared from the SAFE Coalition page
http://safecoalitionma.com/2017/03/26/enter-the-safe-coalition-raffle-today/

"people feel like they have a good alternative"

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

"A small but growing number of cities and towns are negotiating new electric contracts for their residents to boost renewable energy use in Massachusetts, bypassing the basic service offered by utilities such as National Grid and Eversource. 

The practice is called municipal aggregation. 

“Traditionally, it’s been much more used as a practice to achieve savings and provide much more price stability,” said Cammy Peterson, director of clean energy at the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. “The innovation is that piece where they’re also using it as a tool to advance renewable energy in a supply.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170505/massachusetts-towns-ditch-standard-electric-service-to-embrace-green-power

Franklin's plan was released in Feb 2016
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/municipal-aggregation-program.html

The aggregation plan is ready to go as of Nov 2016

Municipal aggregation is ready but the pricing is not expected to produce sufficient savings to execute it right now. The Town is ready to do so, all the approvals have been received.They will continue to watch the market pricing to see when to make the move.

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/11/no-change-in-town-council-leadership.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/11/in-news-legislative-delegation-reports.html

Greater Franklin Distinguished Young Women To Hold Program Showcase May 13th

The Greater Franklin Distinguished Young Women Program will hold their annual program on Saturday May 13 at 6pm at Dean College. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students. 

Franklin's own Helen Huang

Distinguished Young Women is a national scholarship program that inspires high school girls to develop their full, individual potential through a fun, transformative experience that culminates in a celebratory showcase of their accomplishments. 

Distinguished Young Women strives to give every young woman the opportunity to further her education and prepare for a successful future. Franklin's own Helen Huang was named Massachusetts Distinguished Young Woman last year and will be on hand to give a talent presentation. 

This year 8 candidates will vie for scholarships in the areas of scholastics, interview, talent, fitness and self-expression. Please come out on Saturday May 13th at 6pm to support some of Franklin's finest!


http://franklin.ma.distinguishedyw.org/