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Monday, February 22, 2021
LiveARTS: Celebrate Women Composers with Flutist Amy Porter - Feb 28
Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - Feb 24, 2021
a. January 13, 2021
a. Kerri Bertone, Treasurer & Christopher Sandini, Finance Director/Comptroller
a. ALS/BLS and Mileage Rate Changesb. Fire Truck Borrowing Resolution
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| Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - Feb 24, 2021 |
FHS girls swim team takes First, boys take Second in Hock Swim Championships
3 Franklin A FRA 2:03.84
1 C. Tang; 2 M. Lawlor; 3 E. Tang; 4 K. Chew
1 K. Liberman; 2 A. Taddeo; 3 A. Kaplan; 4 V. Loukota
4 Franklin A FRA 1:55.48
1 D. Gurge; 2 S. Brooks; 3 L. Cashin; 4 J. Wu
1 A. Simmons; 2 J. Copeland; 3 R. O'Rourke; 4 J. Dimarzio
3 Bourgeois, S FRA 2:06.48
6 Ferreira, Emma FRA 2:08.04
8 Wainwright, Maia FRA 2:12.26
2 Titmuss, Bleddyn FRA 1:58.03
12 Simms, Zachary FRA 2:10.71
2 Tang, Christine FRA 2:20.49
7 Sinotte, Faye FRA 2:38.10
8 Lawlor, Madison FRA 2:39.52
4 Cashin, Luke FRA 2:15.74
8 Cashin, Dillon FRA 2:27.73
2 Tang, Elizabeth FRA 27.23
6 Chew, Kathryn FRA 27.96
9 Lapuma, Alyssa FRA 28.52
14 Simmons, Anderew FRA 28.79
21 Dimarzio, Jacob FRA 30.31
29 Tulloch, Luke FRA 34.29
4 Tang, Elizabeth FRA 1:04.57
6 Bourgeois, S FRA 1:08.82
17 Elkins, Julia FRA 1:22.23
5 Cashin, Luke FRA 1:00.89
6 Titmuss, Bleddyn FRA 1:02.07
10 Gurge, Daniel FRA 1:07.47
5 Lapuma, Alyssa FRA 1:00.66
8 Desroches, A FRA 1:02.16
11 Kaplan, Abby FRA 1:03.73
8 Wu, James FRA 56.74
11 Brooks, Simon FRA 59.47
19 O'Rourke, Rowan FRA 1:09.01
3 Ferreira, Emma FRA 5:42.71
6 Wainwright, Maia FRA 5:47.37
10 Remillard, L FRA 6:03.05
6 Simms, Zachary FRA 6:01.79
9 Simmons, Anderew FRA 6:43.80
15 Copeland, Joseph FRA 8:00.18
1 Franklin A FRA 1:51.59
1 E. Ferreira; 2 L. Remillard; 3 S. Bourgeois; 4 K. Chew
1 S. Choudhury; 2 J. Cheuvront; 3 M. Bryant; 4 F. Ellin
6 Franklin A FRA 1:45.31
1 J. Wu; 2 D. Gurge; 3 D. Cashin; 4 B. Titmuss
EX Franklin B FRA 2:16.44
1 T. Soni; 2 A. Savant; 3 J. Dimarzio; 4 L. Tulloch
3 Tang, Christine FRA 1:05.58
5 Chew, Kathryn FRA 1:06.84
9 Sinotte, Faye FRA 1:09.42
8 Cashin, Dillon FRA 1:07.23
9 Gurge, Daniel FRA 1:09.45
23 O'Rourke, Rowan FRA 1:30.42
4 Lawlor, Madison FRA 1:18.78
7 Taddeo, A FRA 1:21.79
9 Peng, Charlene FRA 1:22.85
1 Lapuma, Brendan FRA 1:07.51
6 Wu, James FRA 1:14.01
7 Brooks, Simon FRA 1:14.86
2 Franklin A FRA 4:01.02
1 E. Ferreira; 2 E. Tang; 3 S. Bourgeois; 4 C. Tang
1 V. Loukota; 2 K. Liberman; 3 F. Ellin; 4 M. Bryant
2 Franklin A FRA 3:46.94
1 L. Cashin; 2 B. Titmuss; 3 S. Brooks; 4 B. Lapuma
1 R. O'Rourke; 2 A. Simmons; 3 Z. Simms; 4 D. Cashin
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| FHS girls swim team takes First, boys take Second in Hock Swim Championships |
FHS Gymnastics shares the overall results for the Hockomock Cup
Standings for The Hockomock Cup. Details and placements will be posted this week! Great job by ALL teams. Thank you @Coach_Angelo for championing this event!!
@FHSSports @FranklinHS @FranklinMatters @MetroWestSports @HockomockSports @MyFM1013 @KatCornetta @fhsgymboosters https://t.co/tK4lgTxNHe
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| FHS Gymnastics shares the overall results for the Hockomock Cup |
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| Still in AWE of these girls! Recap of our meet vs Mansfield coming soon!! |
Register O’Donnell Reports Increased Real Estate Numbers in Norfolk County
Despite continuing challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported increased numbers in many real estate categories during the month of January, 2021.
“The Norfolk County real estate market” noted Register O’Donnell, “has continued to be busy. Historically, January as one of the winter months does not see as much real estate activity. However, there were 15,494 documents recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds which is a 36% increase over last year’s January document volume. There were 1,285 deeds recorded out of this document volume, representing a 2% increase over January of last year. Average sale price, again including both residential and commercial sales, increased 6% over 2019 to $951,679.85. The real estate numbers are robust especially considering that last year’s January real estate numbers were prior to the onset of COVID-19 and the COVID-19 emergency declarations.”
In addition to real estate sales, the Norfolk County lending market has been busy in January. There were 4,189 mortgages recorded during the month which is a 75% increase over 2019. Total amount of money borrowed for mortgages county wide was over 1.8 billon, a 42% increase compared to January 2019. “While some of the mortgages are due to purchases and sales of real estate, there are a large number of individuals and families taking advantage off historically low interest rates by refinancing existing mortgages. Individuals have different motivations to refinance. Some refinance to reduce their monthly payments, others to take some years off their debt while still others are using the money to pay for home improvements and other capital expenditures” said Register O’Donnell.
Register O’Donnell went on to state, “There has been a strong demand for housing, single family housing particular, coupled with a limited supply of available housing stock and historically low interest rates which could be motivating buyers to do what is necessary to secure housing. Lending activity was up. The growth in numbers seen in 2020 continues into 2021. However, there are expectations that for 2021 many of the numbers may not be as expansive as what took place in 2020.”
Register O’Donnell Reports Increased Real Estate Numbers in Norfolk County
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely watching the foreclosure market. A moratorium on foreclosures in place during the pandemic in 2020 was lifted on October 17, 2020. This moratorium was in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. O’Donnell stated, “During January of 2021 there was only 1 foreclosure deed recorded as a result of foreclosure processes taking place in Norfolk County. Additionally, there were 7 Notices to Foreclosure Mortgages, the first step in the foreclosure process, recorded here in Norfolk County. A foreclosure recording is very impactful on those being foreclosed on. These numbers are extremely low especially when you consider in January of 2019 pre-COVID here were 46 Notices to Foreclosure Mortgages and 15 foreclosure Deeds. The foreclosure numbers in the future bear watching given the negative economic impacts of COVID-19.”
“The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has also been working in close cooperation with Attorney General Maura Healey’s office to ensure there are no abuses being perpetrated against homeowners while the COVID-19 state of emergency is ongoing,” noted O’Donnell.
Additionally, for the past several years, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has partnered with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x376, and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, 508-587-0950 to help anyone facing challenges paying their mortgage. Another option for homeowners is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. Register O’Donnell stated, “If you are having difficulty paying your monthly mortgage, please consider contacting one of these non-profit agencies for help and guidance.”
Homestead recordings by owners of homes and condominiums continue to occur at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds in January. “A Homestead,” noted O’Donnell, “provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual’s primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. I would urge anyone who has not availed themselves of this important consumer protection tool to consider doing so. Please visit the Registry website at www.norfolkdeeds.org to get more information on homestead protection.”
In conclusion, Register O’Donnell stated, “Many small businesses and specific sectors of our economy, such as restaurant and hospitality, have been negatively impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. One sector that has continued to thrive during the pandemic is the real estate market, particularly the residential market. There have been many factors that have kept the Norfolk County real estate market viable. Motivated buyers and sellers, low interest rates, and the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds remaining open for the recording of land documents. While the Registry of Deeds building in Dedham remains closed to the general public, we at the Registry remain open operationally to serve our customers, the residents of Norfolk County and real estate professionals alike. By listening to public health officials, practicing social distancing, making sure all staff are wearing masks and taking any and all other steps necessary, the Registry of Deeds has remained open for business. Land documents are being recorded electronically for many of our institutional users. We are also receiving documents via regular mail, Federal Express and from those placed in our drop-off box located just outside our main entrance at 649 High Street, Dedham, MA. As your Norfolk County Register of Deeds, I want to thank all of you for the cooperation, patience and understanding you have shown myself and the Registry staff while this pandemic has been ongoing. Be healthy. Be safe.”
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 in 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 www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.
50+ Program Resume session this week and next
Part one deals specifically with writing bullets and a profile summary.
Part two will deal with other sections of a resume.
Part 4 starts this week; Part 5 will be in a couple of weeks.
These sessions are not the usual type presentations one sees with resumes.
These sessions--like all the ones Melody Beach and I present--are interactive.
You work in breakout rooms for almost half the session.
I hope you will consider joining us--this week and for other sessions, well. The program runs through June.
Thanks,
Ed L
Interactive Workshop Series: Session #4
The Résumé: Bullets and Summary Statements
Offered:
- Tue Feb 23rd 10-12N
- Fri Feb 26th 1-3pm
- Mon Mar 4th 6:30-8:30pm
Workshops begin promptly at the listed start time.
Facilitators: Melody Beach and Ed Lawrence
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| 50+ Program Resume session this week and next |
Boston Globe: "Federal government drops legal battle over Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe's reservation status"
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe scored a legal victory Friday when the US Interior Department withdrew a Trump administration appeal that aimed to revoke federal reservation designation for the tribe’s land in Massachusetts.
A federal judge in 2020 blocked the Interior Department from revoking the tribe’s reservation designation, saying the agency’s decision to do so was “arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, and contrary to law.” The Trump administration appealed the decision, but the Interior Department on Friday moved to dismiss the motion.In a filing in a federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., the Interior Department said it had "conferred with the parties and none opposes this motion." A judge granted the motion and dismissed the case.
Sunday, February 21, 2021
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Feb 23, 2021
I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Citizen’s Comments
In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH
C. FHS Student Representative Comments
D. Superintendent’s Report
II. Guests/Presentations
A. John F. Kennedy Elementary School Highlights - Dr. Linda Ashley, Principal; Dr. Sarravy Connolly, Assistant Principal
B. Vaccine Update -- Jamie Hellen, Franklin Town Administrator; Cathleen Liberty, Franklin Board of Health Agent; Chief McLaughlin, Deputy Chief Barbieri, Captain Blanchard, Franklin Fire Department
C. HVAC Ventilation Upgrades Update - Mike D’Angelo, Facilities Director, Jamie Hellen, Franklin Town Administrator
A. Refund of Lunch Fees for Seniors
I recommend approval of the request of Miriam Goodman, School Business Administrator, to refund Senior’s lunch balances for the 2020-2021 school year as discussed.
A. Reopening Status Update (2/18/2021)
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council, Franklin Racial & Social Justice Task Force)
A. To discuss any future agenda items
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your February 9, 2021 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen
IX. Payroll Atty. Pond-Pfeffer
X. Executive Session
A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.
B. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A §21(a)(2) to conduct strategy session in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel.
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| Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Feb 23, 2021 |
FM #468 - Town Council Meeting - 02/17/21 - P3 of 4 (audio)
FM #468 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 468 in the series.
This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Feb 17, 2021.
The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: most members of the Town Council, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, at least one member of the Council was remote along with the public via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
I’ve split the full three hour fifty minute meeting into four logical segments:
- First - covers the opening through the Community Preservation Committee appointments and a two minute recess (51 minutes)
- Second - returns from the recess to cover the Complete Streets presentation/discussion as well as the Town Administrator review and discussion (58 minutes)
- *** Third segment *** opens with the Legislation for Action and covers the items through the authorization of the fire trucks (40 minutes)
- Fourth - covers the technical adjustments to the three Storm Water Articles I, II, and III with the discussion running off course (again - with confusion around the proposed storm water utility fee - not in these three articles) through to the close of the meeting (approx. 1 hour and 13 mins)
The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this agenda.
Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Feb 17, 2021. Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5cb9bf23-4c60-4d66-9582-bcf04cb65cb8
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https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2-17-21_town_council_agenda_0_0.pdf
Community Preservation Committee appointments
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/cpc_updated_memo.pdf
https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._complete_streets_web.pdf
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/9a._ta_eval_docs.pdf
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/town-council-recap-of-feb-17-2021.html
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/couldnt-spend-hours-with-town-council.html
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
- If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
- If you don't like something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
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| one of the fire trucks to be replaced by the purchase authorized at the Town Council meeting |
FM #469 - Town Council Meeting - 02/17/21 - P4 of 4 (audio)
FM #469 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 469 in the series.
This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Feb 17, 2021.
The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: most members of the Town Council, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, at least one member of the Council was remote along with the public via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
I’ve split the full three hour fifty minute meeting into four logical segments:
- First - covers the opening through the Community Preservation Committee appointments and a two minute recess (51 minutes)
- Second - returns from the recess to cover the Complete Streets presentation/discussion as well as the Town Administrator review and discussion (58 minutes)
- Third - opens with the Legislation for Action and covers the items through the authorization of the fire trucks (40 minutes)
- *** Fourth segment *** covers the technical adjustments to the three Storm Water Articles I, II, and III with the discussion running off course (again - with confusion around the proposed storm water utility fee - not in these three articles) through to the close of the meeting (approx. 1 hour and 13 mins)
The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this agenda.
Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Feb 17, 2021. Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/229a86d5-2de2-4dbe-bbfd-5c41364ce181
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https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2-17-21_town_council_agenda_0_0.pdf
Community Preservation Committee appointments
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/cpc_updated_memo.pdf
https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._complete_streets_web.pdf
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/9a._ta_eval_docs.pdf
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/town-council-recap-of-feb-17-2021.html
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/couldnt-spend-hours-with-town-council.html
--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
- If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
- If you don't like something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
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| visit the Stormwater Division to check on your impervious coverage https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division |
FPS Parents - Pool Testing/Physical Distance Survey reminder due 2/22/21
"FPS Parents reminder to complete the survey by Monday, February 22nd link for survey https://t.co/5fvhdHIpXB
and link for reopening page https://t.co/sxXkmeBV6j"
Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/2OVv1HxiRJ
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| FPS Parents - Pool Testing/Physical Distance Survey reminder due 2/22/21 |
Vaccine, Anyone? Oops!
And – as always –Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.And, thank you for watching.
Franklin Senior Center: Memory Cafe - Feb 22 - 2 PM
https://zoom.us/j/98625081878?pwd=d05HMzFKd09kaldIcjhGWXNBRE1sUT09
Meeting ID: 986 2508 1878
Passcode: 059521
#ThinkFranklinFirst adds businesses to the listing!
"We are excited to share that 2 new businesses are accepting the #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card! You can now use your card at Mirchi Indian Cuisine and at Night Owl Farm!Do you have a Franklin Gift card? Check out the 40 different businesses where you can redeem them! These cards are helping our local economy by boosting local spending AND covering processing costs thanks to our generous sponsor, Dean Bank!Businesses are redeemed 100% of the funds spent at their locations! Random Smile Project has helped make this initiative possible by donating their time and energy to assist with administrative tasks. We are so lucky to live in such a supportive community!Gift cards are always available both online and at Dean Bank. www.franklingiftcard.com #supportlocal #shoplocal #giftlocal"
A full listing of the participating businesses can be found
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| #ThinkFranklinFirst adds businesses to the listing! |
CDC: "Essential Elements of Safe K-12 School In-person Instruction"
From the Executive Summary of the CDC guidance on reopening schools released recently: (RED text for my emphasis)
"As communities plan safe delivery of in-person instruction in K-12 schools, it is essential to decide when and under what conditions to help protect students, teachers, and staff and slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. It is critical for schools to open as safely and as soon as possible, and remain open, to achieve the benefits of in-person learning and key support services. To enable schools to open safely and remain open, it is important to adopt and consistently implement actions to slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2 both in schools and in the community. This means that all community members, students, families, teachers, and school staff should take actions to protect themselves and others where they live, work, learn, and play. In short, success in preventing the introduction and subsequent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in schools is connected to and facilitated by preventing transmission in the broader community."
“We are colliding with a future of extremes”
"Even as Texas struggled to restore electricity and water over the past week, signs of the risks posed by increasingly extreme weather to America’s aging infrastructure were cropping up across the country.
The week’s continent-spanning winter storms triggered blackouts in Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi and several other states. One-third of oil production in the nation was halted. Drinking-water systems in Ohio were knocked offline. Road networks nationwide were paralyzed and vaccination efforts in 20 states were disrupted.
The crisis carries a profound warning. As climate change brings more frequent and intense storms, floods, heat waves, wildfires and other extreme events, it is placing growing stress on the foundations of the country’s economy: Its network of roads and railways, drinking-water systems, power plants, electrical grids, industrial waste sites and even homes. Failures in just one sector can set off a domino effect of breakdowns in hard-to-predict ways."
Remember H1N1? There are more, one is H5N8
"A H5N8 strain of bird flu has been detected in humans for the first time, among seven workers who were infected at a Russian poultry plant in December.There is no evidence of the strain being transmitted between humans, but Russia has reported the transmission to the World Health Organization.The workers now feel well, and “the situation did not develop further”, according to Dr Anna Popova, head of consumer health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor. She said the workers had been infected during an outbreak of the strain at the plant."