Please read the images below for information about a clothing drive for Cradles to Crayons from March 9th- March 27th!
https://t.co/kpGzdUbqW0
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| Sydney Hawkins: clothing drive to help "Cradles to Crayons" |
Typically, February as one of the winter months does not have as great an amount of real estate activity as other months in the calendar year. However, despite the above and despite the 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 February 2021 compared to February of 2020.
“The Norfolk County real estate market” noted Register O’Donnell, “has continued to be busy. Historically, February as one of the winter months does not see as much real estate activity. However, there were 15,549 documents recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds which is a 44% increase over last year’s February document volume. There were 1,250 deeds recorded out of this document volume, representing a 16% increase over February of last year. Average sale price, again including both residential and commercial sales, increased 13% over 2020 to $860,812.32. The real estate numbers are robust especially considering that last year’s February 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 February. There were 4,389 mortgages recorded during the month which is a 103% increase over 2020. Total amount of money borrowed for mortgages county wide was over 1.6 billon, a 19% increase compared to February 2020. “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. Yet February 2021 statistics exceeded February 2020 statistics.”
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 February of 2021 there was only 1 foreclosure deed recorded as a result of foreclosure processes taking place in Norfolk County. Additionally, there were 6 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 February of 2020 pre-COVID there were 51 Notices to Foreclosure Mortgages and 18 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 February. There was a 17% increase in homestead recordings in February 2021 compared to February 2020. “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. It is great to see folks protecting the biggest asset most of us have, our homes. 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.
Register O’Donnell Reports Increased Real Estate Numbers in Norfolk County
Offered: Tue Mar 9th 10-12N; Fri Mar 12th 1-3pm; and Mon Mar 15th 6:30-8:30pm
Virtual Doors open 15 minutes before session begins.
Workshops begin promptly at the listed start time.
Facilitators: Melody Beach and Ed Lawrence
In the 5th session of our 12-part Interactive Workshop Series, we continue discussing résumés, this time looking at the sections a resume can include beyond the summary statement and work experience sections.
Join us as we discuss what else belongs on a résumé besides your work history, and where it should appear. Topics discussed may skills and education, personal interests, professional affiliations, and more.
This session is the second of two sessions that focus on creating a modern résumé that will make it through the filtering software and catch the attention of a human reader.
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* I've attached the promo; several formats for you to share.
WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND:
* Multiple exercises in Zoom breakout rooms.
* Lots of time for you to network.
* Flipped-classroom methodology---We don't lecture then tell you to practice what you just learned.
Thanks,
Ed Lawrence
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| 50+ Program offering: "Components for Your Résumé Checklist" |
"THE MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE has once again sent a comprehensive climate bill to Gov. Charlie Baker, and this time Baker has sent it back with a series of amendments. While the two sides agree on the broad terms of the bill, a major sticking point is an interim goal on the road to net zero emissions by 2050. The bill would mandate that emission levels reach 50 percent of 1990 levels by 2030. The Baker administration (and current state policy) favors a 45 percent goal.
That difference of 5 points almost seems like a rounding error, but it has major implications for everyday residents, especially for homeowners. Among other measures, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Kathleen Theoharides says that extra 5 percentage points would require the complete elimination of heating oil. EEA estimates retrofitting oil-heated homes would cost an additional $3 billion over 10 years. Meanwhile, under either interim target scenario, tens of thousands of homes need to convert from carbon-heavy fuels like oil and gas to renewables like solar and wind."
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| CommonWealth Magazine: "Home energy upgrades could be challenge" |
Agenda doc = https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/3-9-21-agenda
Meeting packet folder = https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/march-9-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet
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| Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Mar 9, 2021 |
FM #482 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 482 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Natalia Linos, State Rep Jeff Roy, and Dr. Michael Walker-Jones.
These three folks are joined by Frank Falvey (the host) and Pete Fasciano (Franklin TV/Radio Executive Director) for a weekly conversation on the broad topic of our democratic republic. This particular session gets into why have the new show “Towards A More Perfect Union”
Jeff opens the discussion on Why with a reading of the preamble:
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
The show is broadcast on Monday’s at 11 AM, 2 PM and 8 PM. A podcast version of this show is in development so if you miss the radio timeslot you will still be able to listen.
Links to the panel profiles are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 51 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Natalia, Jeff, and Michael. Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/86c659d4-6cb3-4e3e-901b-8d6a7d39c6ce
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Natalia Linos Executive Director of the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University. Natalia’s Harvard profile page = https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/profile/natalia-linos/
Natalia’s opinion piece as mentioned was published on March 2, 2020 https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2020/03/02/coronavirus-could-hit-us-harder-than-other-wealthy-countries/
State Representative Jeffrey Roy legislative profile page = https://malegislature.gov/People/Profile/JNR1
Dr. Michael Walker-Jones LinkedIn profile = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-michael-walker-jones-9b326925/
Link to the Preamble of the US Constitution https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/preamble/
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?
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!
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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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| FM #482 - Toward a More Perfect Union - 03/02/21 (audio) |
"As we near the one-year anniversary of when the world seemingly shut down, I want to take some time to reflect upon the toll that remote learning had on students. Although most of the effects of a virtual learning environment have been negative, it is important to not lose sight of the few positives. This school year has been like none other, and we look to share our experiences with future generations."
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| FHS Track schedule for Fall II |
March 5, 2021
Revised
Dear Franklin Families,
We hope you are doing well this afternoon.
As you know, we have been exploring full and in-person learning at the various levels throughout the district and thank you for your contributions to our efforts in completing several surveys recently. There is much support among FPS families for in-person learning. Please be assured that we are always taking all health and safety aspects of COVID-19 mitigation into great consideration.
As mentioned in last Sunday's letter, I will be presenting a framework for full and in person learning to the School Committee at their March 9 Regular School Committee meeting. This will also be a meeting about the recommended budget for FY 22. We encourage you to attend the meeting (limit of 500 via Zoom) or watch it live on TV.
Working collaboratively with the FEA, we want to let you know that right now the plan would be to have K-5 return Monday, April 5, and Middle and High School return Monday, April 12. Details will be presented Tuesday at the School Committee meeting as a "Discussion Only" agenda item. Please note that remote learning will remain for the remainder of the school year.
We know there will be questions and concerns. The School Committee meeting is a regularly scheduled business meeting and will not be an open forum for families' Q and A. We will be sure to provide opportunities for families to learn more at a future date.
Have a nice weekend,
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| FPS - Message about in person learning |
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| Franklin Senior Center: Meet the Sheriff - Mar 8 |
And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.And, thank you for watching.
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| Franklin TV: "More Meetings" |
"CDC links restaurant dining to a rise in cases"
"Even as officials in Texas and Mississippi lifted statewide mask mandates, researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday offered fresh evidence of the importance of face coverings, reporting that mask-wearing mandates were linked to fewer infections with the coronavirus and COVID-19 deaths in counties across the United States.
Federal researchers also found that counties opening restaurants for on-premises dining — indoors or outdoors — saw a rise in daily infections about six weeks later, and an increase in COVID-19 death rates about two months later.
The study does not prove cause and effect, but the findings square with other research showing that masks prevent infection and that indoor spaces foster the spread of the virus through aerosols, tiny respiratory particles that linger in the air.
“You have decreases in cases and deaths when you wear masks, and you have increases in cases and deaths when you have in-person restaurant dining,” Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the director of the CDC, said Friday. “And so we would advocate for policies, certainly while we’re at this plateau of a high number of cases, that would listen to that public health science.”
"After a year of hunkering down, the country is about to bask in the biggest boom in nearly four decades. But the scars of the pandemic linger.
By summer, most American adults should be vaccinated, and life is expected to return to something approaching normal as people eat in restaurants, hop on a plane, or catch a game at Fenway Park. Getting out of the house for work and recreation will swell the economy, juiced by another big federal stimulus program and trillions of dollars in savings that consumers are eager to spend.
Yet that rosy outlook isn’t reflected in the sentiments of many local employers who would benefit greatly from a post-pandemic resurgence. Hammered by COVID-19 shutdowns, they remain wary after earlier forecasts about the trajectory of the disease proved too optimistic.
Instead of the rapid rebound projected by economists, these employers — from small business owners to big institutions such as hospitals and universities — expect a more gradual recovery marked by fits and starts. So they’re ramping up slowly and delaying hiring decisions until the picture is clearer."
Hi everyone,
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| Memory Cafe: Monday March 8 at 2 PM - Not your typical cafe'! |
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FM #481 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 481 in the series.
This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England, this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting: ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?
The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.
Our conversation runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer. Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/72e1df51-f768-44c7-8b98-b768880320ad
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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?
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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| FM #481 - Town Council "Quarterbacking" - 03/04/21 (audio) |
"BREAKING: Massachusetts education officials plan to postpone this spring's MCAS testing in an effort to ensure a smooth reopening of schools."
https://t.co/MrgYlWjeeI
"Massachusetts education officials announced on Friday they will postpone this spring’s MCAS testing in an effort to ensure a smooth reopening of schools, a move that was criticized by some teachers unions but lauded by other education advocates.
The decision came hours before the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted to give Commissioner Jeffrey Riley the authority to force districts to reopen their schools full-time.
The return of students to five days a week of in-person learning will begin with students in pre-kindergarten through grade 5 on April 5 — the same date that MCAS testing was previously scheduled to begin."
"Congrats to the Mock Trial team for their victory over a brilliant Wayland team yesterday, 105-104. Both schools' coaches called it the most epic battle either had ever seen. With the win, Franklin advanced to the statewide Sweet 16 of the Mock Trial Tournament's "March Madness."
"The following Mock Trial students earned exemplary scores yesterday: Nipun Goel, Akash Shetty, Pratusha Nouduri, Erin McCaffrey, Nihara Lijan, Paris Arffa, Charlene Peng, and Matthew Parrella."
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| Pantherbook: Mock Trial Team advances to Sweet 16 |
Massachusetts Music Educators Association is holding the 2021 All-State Music Festival virtually this year. Five students from the Franklin High School music program were selected for an ensemble and will participate in a virtual concert some time later this spring.
Students first attended a two hour master class on March 6th with the conductors of their ensembles. Following this class, students will study their music and video record themselves performing their parts. These videos will be submitted by March 20th and will be professionally edited to create a virtual performance which will be presented to the public as a YouTube Premiere later this spring.
The Franklin High School students selected to the All-State Orchestra are: Christopher Broyles - Viola, Chai Harsha - Viola and Grace Newton - Violin. Colin Manocchio - Trombone and Ian Richardson - Electric Bass were both selected to perform with the Jazz Band.
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In addition to performing with the Massachusetts All State Orchestra, Christopher Broyles and Chai Harsha were also selected to perform virtually with the All Eastern Honor Orchestra. This festival will be presented in a similar format. These are incredible accomplishments for our student musicians.
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| Left to Right: Ian Richardson - Bass, Colin Manocchio - Trombone, Chai Harsha - Viola, Christopher Broyles - Viola and Grace Newton - Violin |
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| The football field is partially covered in a snowbank and the track is slightly wet from the weather. |
