"Talk Franklin" covers current news with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - 01/14/22 (audio)

FM #701 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 701 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing Communication Specialist Lily Rivera. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge.

Conversation around current events

• The passing of former Town Council Andy Bissanti

• The move of Superintendent Sara Ahern to a position in Barnstable effective July 1 

• New leadership at the Senior Center; Director Danielle Hopkins and Deputy Director Christina LaRose

COVID-19 – change to remote meetings? No

Finance Committee - budget timeline and lesson on revenue process 

Reminder on Municipal aggregation – direct mailer coming

Community Preservation Act - public hearing, priority list starting

Town Council - to hear from DPW on their budget overview

The recording runs about 37 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Lily. Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/New-Year--New-Beginnings-e1d41ei/a-a78mor3

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Council on Aging meeting - introductions of Director Danielle Hopkins and Deputy Director Christina LaRose and ensuing discussion ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/recap-senior-center-new-director-and.html 

Finance Committee recording -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/finance-committee-gets-lesson-on.html 

Municipal aggregation mailing update -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/attention-franklin-residents-dynegy.html 

Community Preservation Committee - Public Hearing ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-01-18_cpc_agenda_-_hearing_2.pdf 

Town Council agenda -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/tc_agenda_jan_19_2022.pdf 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

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!

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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"

 

"Talk Franklin" covers current news with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - 01/14/22 (audio)

Franklin Matters information service updates

As part of the integration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) you likely have seen some changes to this home page and or to some posts.

Two additions

• The daily schedule for Franklin TV and wfpr.fm is shared. This is in addition to the weekly post sharing the programming guide. We'll be watching the stats (such that are available) to see if this addition is making a difference.
• "Ask Franklin Matters"  is back in a top of fold web page spot. I had introduced this when we started the "Talk Franklin" radio interview series during 2020. This is a new year, hence a new opportunity. A couple of question have already come in so that is good. Hopefully, this feature will help answer your questions. 

Two reminders

• This is a daily digital newsletter and you have a chance to have your say (with a question - as noted above) or a comment/email. You should also know that the "Voices of Franklin" is really the same as a "Letter to the Editor". It has been used primarily during the election season but is a feature available any time you feel the need to write. Guidelines here ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html
• The community calendar functions best when all the events are available to the community. Organizations with a Google calendar can integrate automatically. If you don't have one, you can use the form to submit the event  -> https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6   If all else fails, send me an email. Be sure to include the basics of the event (who, what, when, where, etc.)

This Franklin news service (daily newsletter, podcast, Twitter, etc.) is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I 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 reading/emailing/commenting/listening, etc.

Friendly reminder: The best way to remain informed is to subscribe for the daily newsletter -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html

Franklin Matters information service updates

Good time to find out all about the Franklin DPW - Jan 19 at Town Council meeting

The Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Jan 19, 2022 is a great time to find out all about the Franklin DPW. The presentation doc is included here. 

You have multiple options to participate in person or remotely:

• In person - Municipal Building, 2nd floor - Council Chambers
• Via cable - This meeting is shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29
• Via live stream - https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream 
• Via Zoom - info changes per meeting

 

Franklin (MA) DPW Budget Overview from Franklin Matters

DPW Director "Brutus" Cantoreggi providing an update to the recent Town Council meeting

FHS boys hockey team posts win; girls hockey team skates to tie in OT on Monday

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS winter sports action on Monday: 

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 9 @ Foxboro, 1 – Final 

– Foxboro scored a first period goal to cut Franklin’s lead in half at 2-1 after a period of play, but the Panthers scored seven unanswered over the final two periods to secure the win. Ben Jarosz and Adam Quinn each scored twice and recorded two assists apiece to pace the Panthers’ offense. Dylan Marchand added a pair of goals and an assist, Dom Lampasona scored once and had one helper, and eight other Panthers recorded one point. Franklin freshman Jack O’Connor made 14 saves for the win. Ben Ricketts scored for Foxboro off of an assist from Derek Axon.

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 1 @ Algonquin, 1 – Final (OT) 

– Franklin scored with under a minute left in the third period to earn a comeback point against Algonquin. Down 1-0, the Panthers pulled the goalie and Ava Villella redirected a shot from Maggie McCaffrey with 5.9 seconds to go to pull even.

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-01-17-22/

FHS Panthers

Did you know there is an App to help prevent food waste?

Brett Feldman (@BFeldmanEnergy) tweeted on Mon, Jan 17, 2022:

"App to prevent food waste launches in Providence"

Link to Boston Globe article (subscription maybe required) -> https://t.co/nROXMXMfGK

I did download the app and was pleased to find that the Fresh Start Market is listed. Hopefully, more businesses/food places will utilize this ... 

Too Good To Go - app screengrab

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/BFeldmanEnergy/status/1483074849237049348

Missed the Franklin Art Assoc meeting? Catch up with the recording

"This introduction to photographic basics presented by Ronald Zincone at the Franklin Art Association's recent Zoom meeting was recorded and can be watched at the link below."

Direct YouTube link -> https://youtu.be/sJaI23zrlC4

Shared from the Franklin Art Associate Facebook post ->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/3079807748955897/

Reminder: Montessori Preschool & Kindergarten Open House - Jan 22

"Open house for families interested in Montessori preschool/kindergarten for the 2022-2023 school year.  

Tour the classrooms, meet the staff and current parents, learn about Montessori "

Where: 31 Hayward St., Suite J2, Franklin 

When: Saturday,  Jan 22, 2022 from 11 AM to 1 PM

Visit their webpage for more about their programs

http://www.mysunrisemontessori.com/

Montessori Preschool & Kindergarten Open House - Jan 22

Franklin Liquors: "Using Google To Learn About Your Wine"

An Upcoming Franklin Lifelong Learning Class Held In The Franklin Liquors Wine Room

Using Google To Learn About Your Wine “Hey Google tell me about this wine.” This is a sit down educational tasting event held in the Franklin Liquors wine room. Nutrition labels on food provide lots of useful information. For wine, important information is not so readily available. We will show you how to find industry secrets about your wine, exploring wine contents, availability, and locations using all Google offers.

Register online -> https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0079-0003-0a825058f5444da8be8c255f11a278e5

Franklin Liquors: "Using Google To Learn About Your Wine" 

FHS Jazz Night - Jan 19, 2022 - 7 PM

Franklin High School is pleased to invite you to our annual Jazz Concert scheduled for Wednesday, January 19 at 7:00 PM. Come hear our very own award-winning FHS Jazz Ensembles under the direction of Mrs. Leaighanne Rudsit and Mr. Matthew Geisinger. There will also be two jazz combos performing music from all different genres to include swing, bebop, ballads, and funk.

A few big band titles to be performed are Ellington's "Such Sweet Thunder", "Black Butterfly", and "Smada" along with standards "Shiny Stockings", "The Jive Samba", and "Blues Brothers Review".

The event will take place at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, January 19 in the Franklin High School auditorium. A $5 donation is requested at the door, but it is not required. 

FHS  Jazz Night - Jan 19, 2022 - 7 PM

Franklin residents: ACTION ALERT to support Franklin Net Zero emissions goal

Hey, Franklin residents!

An exciting opportunity for local action to help advance Franklin's climate goals from the comfort of your own home!

This Wednesday, January 19 at 7:00 PM the Franklin Town Council will be voting to adopt the 2022/2023 Town Goals. Thanks to Cobi Frongillo, a Town Councilor, the following language in red has been included within the 'General Government' section:

"Continue to implement “Green Community” goals through the state approved Energy Reduction Plan. As part of the Green Community goals in 2022-2023, the Town will work with the state to investigate how a Net Zero emissions plan could be incorporated."

This is a major win for advocates of climate action! I ask that if you can, please attend the meeting to voice support for this goal!

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82629643659   Meeting ID # 826 2964 3659

Meeting agenda:
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/tc_agenda_jan_19_2022.pdf

Franklin 2022-2023 Town Goals:
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10a._22-04.pdf
- FOURTH PAGE, RED TEXT is net zero language addition

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

COME TO THE MEETING: The Town Goals will be discussed at approximately at 7:30 so I encourage you to join the meeting then. 

support Franklin Net Zero emissions goal

Franklin High School newsletter - new edition ready to read

The new edition of the Franklin High School newsletter is available

https://www.canva.com/design/DAE0a_pK4do/VJYo19H5c5PaV4vYAmVd-w/view

Franklin High School newsletter - new edition ready to read

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Tuesday, Jan 18, 2022

•  wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Tuesday

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM  Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines
2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

11:00 AM 2 PM and 8:00 PM SAFE Radio– Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen
Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY

7:00 am The Drummers Studio: 11th Anniversary Show Two

9:00 am It Takes A Village: 40 Percent Club

10:00 am Frank Presents: Michael Walker-Jones

11:30 am Senior Connection: Sleep

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Waffles

12:30 pm Sandya: Pasta

1:00:00 pm SAFE Coalition: PSA

1:30:00 pm Pizzapalooza: Deep Dish

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 1

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 11

3:30 pm The Only Cure Is Education

4:00 pm Arts Advocacy: Impact

4:30 pm Extended Play Sessions: Roberto Morbioli

5:30 pm Physician Focus: Concussions and Brain Injury

8:30 pm Veterans Oral History Project: Warren Sayer Green

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY

7:00 am Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2019

8:30 am Public School Event: Jazz Night 01-23-19

10:00 am FHS Boys Varsity Hockey: v Hingham 01-12-22

12:00 pm ArtWeek: Airmen of Note

2:00 pm It Takes A Village: 40 Percent Club

3:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey: v Dedham 01-08-22

4:31 pm Public School Event: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2021

6:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Basketball: v Holy Name

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY

8:00 am School Committee: 01-11-22

11:00 am Economic Development: 01-05-22

2:00 pm School Committee: 01-11-22

7:00 pm Community Preservation, LIVE, Chambers, 834 2473 6826

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf     

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

DPW Reminder: no scheduled trash delay this week; next one (due to holiday) comes in May

There is no "scheduled" delay in the normal trash/recycling pick up this week. The next scheduled one day delay due to a holiday comes in May (Memorial Day).

As has been shared recently, due to the pandemic, there are delays and shortages of personnel and equipment that affect the pick up schedule. Those 'unplanned' delays are generally made up the next day.

You can download a copy of the curbside flyer from the Town of Franklin page to use through June 2022. A new one will be made available for July 2022 to June 2023 likely in June of this year.   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_program_guide_2021-2022_update.pdf

DPW Reminder: no scheduled trash delay this week; next one (due to holiday) comes in May

MLK: "We must rapidly begin the shift from a 'thing-oriented' society to a 'person-oriented' society"

Martin Luther King Jr said: 

“I am convinced that if we are to get on the right side of the world revolution, we as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values. We must rapidly begin the shift from a “thing-oriented” society to a “person-oriented” society. When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, materialism, and militarism are incapable of being conquered.

A true revolution of values will soon cause us to question the fairness and justice of many of our past and present policies. On the one hand we are called to play the good Samaritan on life’s roadside; but that will be only an initial act. One day we must come to see that the whole Jericho road must be transformed so that men and women will not be constantly beaten and robbed as they make their journey on life’s highway. True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar; it is not haphazard and superficial. It comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring.” 

From “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence” speech, given at a meeting of Clergy and Laity Concerned at Riverside Church in New York City, April 4, 1967

https://www.ucc.org/mlk-resources-2022-join-the-movement/

As "content in context" is important, you can listen to and read the full text of this speech here -> https://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkatimetobreaksilence.htm

Martin Luther King, Jr. "Beyond Vietnam -- A Time to Break Silence"

Both FHS girls and boys swim teams post wins vs. Taunton on Thursday

Via the FHS Swim Team Instagram account:

"AMAZING meet Franklin!! A win for boys AND girls, and sectionals qualifier Ashley in the 500 and states qualifier in the girls 200 free relay!!!! Nemo and Dory this week goes to Super Sydney and Brendan!!!! #swimstagram

The girls won 89-53 vs Taunton; the boys won 87-61! "

A set of 10 photos posted to Instagram from the meet day -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CYsaVy8rXst/

Apparently detailed results are not available. If anyone knows of the web page where they are, please let me know.

FHS girls basketball tops Taunton 69-28 on Sunday

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS winter sports action on Sunday: 

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 61 @ Taunton, 70 – Final

Ryan Lanigan had a twitter thread on the progress of the game: (first in the thread started here -> https://twitter.com/R_Lanigan/status/1482795267640504321)

• Another big Kelley-Rex division clash on tap this weekend, this one featuring  Taunton (5-1) hosting Franklin (7-1). Panthers own a 10-8 record in the series since the Tigers joined the Hockomock League, but Taunton has won four straight. #hockomock
• End 1Q: Franklin 12, Taunton 12. After struggling from three on Friday, the Panthers hit four threes in the opening quarter, three from Andrew O’Neill. Trent Santos with 7 pts 4 reb for Taunton. #hockomock
• Half: Taunton 25, Franklin 20. Will Tracey with a corner three late for the Panthers, who are without a 2pt field goal. Trent Santos with 14 pts 5 reb, Andrew O’Neill leads Franklin with 13 pts. #hockomock
• End 3Q: Taunton 46, Franklin 35. Strong start to the quarter helped Tigers create some space. Matt Small 7 reb 4 ast big boost off the bench for Taunton. #hockomock
• Final: Taunton 70, Franklin 61. Tristan Herry with a season-high 23 points, 6 reb 3 ast, 3 stl to give the Tigers a big boost. Trent Santos 25 pts 5 reb, Faisal Mass 11 pts. Andrew O’Neill 18 pts 5 ast, Henry Digiorgio 15 pts 4 reb. #hockomock

A write up on the game was composed and posted by Ryan and can be found

https://hockomocksports.com/herry-helps-taunton-boys-basketball-secure-key-win-over-franklin/

Photo gallery of the game via HockomockSports.com ->  https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2021-2022/Winter-2021-2022/Taunton-Franklin-Boys-Basketball-01-16-22/

Girls Basketball = Taunton, 28 @ Franklin, 69 – Final 

– Franklin’s defense continues to be locked in, as the Panthers allowed nine points in the first half for the second game in a row. Stefany Padula scored eight points, all in the first quarter, but also played tough defense on Taunton’s Kameron St. Pierre, holding one of the league’s leading scorers to only two points (on a pair of free throws). Franklin jumped out to a 34-9 lead by halftime with Olivia Quinn (10 points) and Katie Peterson (17 points) combining for 10 of Franklin’s 16 in the second quarter. Caelyn Leonard added seven points for the Panthers, all in the fourth quarter. Freshman Chelsea Bousquet and Olivia Gannon led the Tigers with six points apiece. Bousquet scored all five of Taunton’s points in the second quarter. It was the 40th straight win for Franklin. 

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/sundays-schedule-scoreboard-01-16-22/

Andrew O’Neill in action

MSTCA Northeast Invitational Indoor Track Meet Results for FHS

Individual FHS results from the MSTCA Northeast Invitational meet held Friday, Jan 14 through Sunday, Jan 16, 2022

"Northeast Inv Track and Field: Jill Fenerty won the 300 meter race in a time of  41.63, a personal best for this season. 178 athletes entered in the race. Also qualifying for the MIAA Div 1 Champ including Jill Fenerty (300), Riley Fitzpatrick (600) & Sarah Dumas (hurdles)."   https://twitter.com/FHSSports/status/1482716923750236160

PDF of the FHS results   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K_g8zNuxUz99P62mTJU2SsuJcxoTQ3_Q/view?usp=sharing

Full results can be found online: https://live.mstca.org/meets/12237/teams/300565

"Apologies for not catching this earlier, but at our last meet v Attleboro

@emmettlackey1

breaks a 28 year FHS junior indoor shot put school record. Congratulations Emmett!!!

@FHSSports" https://twitter.com/fhs_throwers/status/1482901598921707521

"BTW Congrats to Emmett Lackey who has quietly broken the junior record for shot put with a PB of 41'2.5". The old record was 39'5" inches set back in 1994."  https://twitter.com/FranklinHSXC/status/1482901012797132807 

FHS Panthers

 

Register O'Donnell Reports on December Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported that December real estate numbers relative to Norfolk County real estate activity were down, but there were a few aspects of the real estate activity to be hopeful about.

"The Norfolk County real estate market" noted Register O'Donnell, "has continued to slow entering into the winter months.  There were 14,794 documents recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds a 24% decrease over last year's December document volume but slightly more than last month." 

"The number of deeds which evidence real estate sales and transfers, both commercial and residential, decreased by 17% in December. However, the average sales price during the month was $1,501,882, an impressive 43% increase compared to December 2021. Total dollar volume of commercial and residential sales also showed solid gains, increasing 19% to over $1.5 billion," noted the Register.

Despite the deeds figure holding its own, overall lending activity showed a decrease again for the month of December. A total of 2,972 mortgages were recorded during the month, a 40% decrease compared to December 2020. "It appears that many consumers have already refinanced given the past low interest rate environment," noted O'Donnell.

One continuing cause for concern, however in Norfolk County, was foreclosures.   A moratorium on foreclosures enacted on April 20, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic expired on October 17, 2020.  The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely watching the foreclosure market. During December 2021 there were 7 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of foreclosure processes taking place in Norfolk County.  In addition, there were 19 Notices to Foreclosure Mortgages, the first step in the foreclosure process, recorded here in Norfolk County in December 2021.  In December 2020 there were 3 Foreclosure Deeds and 16 Notices to Foreclosure Mortgages filed. "These numbers remind us that some of our neighbors continue to face financial challenges", said O'Donnell.  "We will continue to monitor these numbers."

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 decreased this year at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds in October.    There was a 15% decrease in homestead recordings in December 2021 compared to December 2020.  "A recorded Declaration 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."

Register O'Donnell concluded, "Without question December was a mixed bag month for real estate activity in Norfolk County.  Available real estate inventory continues to be a source of concern in Norfolk County. It's especially a problem for first-time homebuyers attempting to crack the market. Also, things may be slowing down compared to past real estate indicators.  The Registry of Deeds was operational every work day during the pandemic.  The Registry of Deeds continues to be open to the public for business, however that is being evaluated as the COVID-19 developments unfold.  The drop-off box located at the main entrance of the Registry Building will continue to be available for use by those members of the public who may not be comfortable entering the Registry of Deeds Building The volume of documents recorded electronically for many of our institutional users continues to increase.. We are also receiving documents in person, via regular mail, Federal Express, UPS and from our drop-off box located just outside our main entrance at 649 High Street, Dedham, MA."   

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 on December Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County