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Save the Date! The Ladybug 5K returns! Oct 16 |
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Tuesday, September 6, 2022
Save the Date! The Ladybug 5K returns! Oct 16
State Primary Election - all 9 Franklin precincts vote at Franklin High School
The voting opened this morning at 6 AM and will close at 8 PM today. All 9 precincts vote at Franklin High School.
The Franklin unofficial results will be shared as soon as they are available from Nancy Danello, Franklin Town Clerk.
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State Primary Election - all 9 Franklin precincts vote at Franklin High School |
Franklin Cultural Festival - map of activity locations scheduled for Saturday, Sep 10, 2022
The Franklin Cultural Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Sep 10 from noon to 6 PM in and around the Town Common with the activities shown in the areas on the map shared here:
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Franklin Cultural Festival - map of activity locations scheduled for Saturday, Sep 10, 2022 |
Hockomock Volleyball: Players to Watch in 2022 - FHS' Lacerda
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FHS Panthers |
Hockomock League Football: 2022 Kelley-Rex Division Preview - Franklin
HockomockSports.com has published its outlook for the Kelly-Rex Division football teams for the fall 2022 season. We share the FHS outlook and link to the full divisional outlook below.
2021 Record: 10-1 (Kelley-Rex division champions)
Coach: Eian Bain
Key/Returning Players: Jase Lyons, Sr., QB/S; Luke Davis, Sr., WR/CB; Grayson Hunter, Sr., TE; Ben Papa, Sr., OL; Ben Ryan, Jr., OL; Leo Meuse, Soph., OL; Jay Gulla, Sr., DL; Emmett Lackey, Sr., DL; Julian Rampino, Soph., DL; Nick Quintina, Sr., LB; Luke Sidwell, Sr., CB; Devine Johnson, Sr., CB;
Last year’s offensive group was as good as any in the state and it showed. This season, Franklin will have a lot of new faces and a lot of versatile athletes that will be part of the game plan. Senior Jase Lyons will take over at quarterback and is a dual threat with his legs and his arm. Senior Luke Davis will be one of the primary targets out wide along with junior wideout Derek Dubriske and senior tight end Grayson Hunter. The graduation of Mack Gulla opens space for new running backs to step up. Juniors Mike Davide and Cody Howard are backs to watch out for this year. Senior Ben Papa will lead the offensive line with junior Ben Ryan and sophomore Leo Meuse adding depth and size. Senior Garrett Portesi will be back on kicking duties and gives Franklin a consistent source of points.
While the offense got a lot of attention last season, Franklin’s defense allowed fewer points than anyone else in the league. The secondary was one of the biggest strengths in 2021 and should be again this year. Senior Devine Johnson is a lockdown corner, while classmates Luke Sidwell, Bobby Padula, and Davis all are playmakers in the passing game. Junior Connor Klawson will add depth in that position. The linebacking group is led by senior Nick Quintina, who will make plays in the middle, and Howard will be a new face in that position. Senior Emmett Lackey will control the defensive line, while senior Jay Gulla is a constant threat on the edge and sophomore Julian Rampino gives another big athlete at defensive end.
“We are taking this one day at a time,” said Franklin coach Eian Bain. “Last year was a whirlwind, and culmination of many years of hard work. It is important not to lose sight of the process that got us to such great accomplishments. It remains all about the process.”
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FHS Panthers |
"Fascinating Facts About Today’s New Voters and College Students"
"It’s difficult to unteach old dogs old tricks, and this applies particularly to the creators of The Mindset List, Tom McBride (mcbridet@beloit.edu) and Ron Nief (niefr@beloit.edu). Each year about this time we just naturally start thinking about the world we know and how it compares to the world of this year’s high school graduates preparing to head off to college, voting booths, and other great adventures. Their’s is a different world from their mentors and even from those just a few years older.
Therefore, we offer a few of our thoughts drawn from…
THE 18-ER FILE
If you were born in 2004 and turned 18 in 2022, THEN: (a selection of the full listing)
- Facebook, hatched the same year you were, hasn’t aged as well as you have and is now a platform frequented by oldsters.
- You were born just as the bans on assault style weapons were lifted.
- There’s only about a 50/50 chance that you are convinced going to college is a sound investment.
- You can expect to see the inside of an office with ever less frequency, and won’t hold the same job at the same company for more than a few years.
- You’ve made history, having grown up with both the country’s first black, and first autocratic, presidents.
- You’ve thrived, one hopes, in a world where Blockbuster, Lehmann Brothers, Nokia, Borders, and Blackberries have not.
- If born in Massachusetts, you have always had the right to same-sex marriage as part of your heritage.
CommonWealth Magazine: The future of work; transmission site info sought
"EVERY LABOR DAY working people celebrate the countless contributions the labor movement has made to improve the lives of working people. We reflect on the past and present to organize a better future for all.
Right now, working people are frustrated. Many are struggling to afford the basics, much less save for college or retirement. Amidst this, corporate special interests are lining their pockets off the backs of working people. In 2021, the CEO pay at S&P 500 companies rose 18.2 percent, faster than the US inflation rate of 7.1 percent. In contrast, US workers’ wages fell behind inflation, with worker wages rising only 4.7 percent in 2021. This is not “inflation.” It is “greedflation” — when companies take advantage of consumers by using their market dominance to increase prices and boost corporate profits. We’ve seen this with Uber surge pricing during times when people are most desperate for a ride, little of which goes to the actual drivers."
"FIVE OF THE SIX New England states have launched an effort to better coordinate the process of bringing ashore electricity produced by offshore wind farms and feeding the power into the regional grid.Currently, states contract with offshore wind developers and the developers select where they want to bring their power ashore and are responsible for all transmission system upgrades needed to make that happen.The process has gone fairly smoothly so far, with developers picking interconnection points on Cape Cod, in Somerset, and in Rhode Island."
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"5 New England states seek info on transmission issues" |
Get Internet -> Claim Your Affordable Connectivity Program Benefit
"As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, President Biden and Vice President Harris worked with Democrats, Republicans, and Independents to create the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides eligible households $30 per month off their internet bills. ACP-eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
To deliver maximum cost savings to families, the Biden-Harris Administration has secured commitments from 20 leading internet providers to offer ACP-eligible households a high-speed internet plan for no more than $30 per month. Eligible families who pair their ACP benefit with one of these plans can receive high-speed internet at no cost."
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Get Internet -> Claim Your Affordable Connectivity Program Benefit |
Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Tuesday, Sep 6, 2022
- wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Tuesday
2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY
- Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY
- Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY
Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)
Monday, September 5, 2022
Franklin PMC Kids Ride scheduled as an "in person" event for Sep 25
On Sunday, September 25th, the Franklin PMC (Pan Mass Challenge) Kids Ride will be one of 20 PMC Kids Rides throughout the New England area. In 2020 and 2021, the ride was held virtually, but we are excited to host the ride live again this year.
PMC Kids Rides are mini bike-a-thons that involve children 3 to 14 in the PMC mission by providing them the opportunity to fight cancer just like adults. From a Tikes and Trikes area to a 10-mile ride, the PMC Franklin Kids Ride challenges young cyclists of all skill levels.
It’s a great way for kids to learn about the importance of giving back and introduces them to volunteerism and fundraising and offers a way for children to become part of the PMC mission in a safe and athletic way. 100% of every rider-raised dollar directly supports cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Since the first ride in 1998, the PMC Kids rides program has raised more than $10 million.Franklin PMC Kids Ride scheduled
Though this ride takes place in Franklin, we welcome all towns to join. We encourage kids to form teams and ride to honor a friend or loved one who has been touched by cancer. To provide riders with additional motivation, the PMC recognizes participants in the Kids Rides program who go above and beyond their fundraising.
Riders who raise $450 or more will be honored as a PMC Kids Ride Heavy Hitter, and riders who raise over $950 will be honored as a PMC Kids Ride Breakaway. Each will be honored with a special PMC item and a certificate to distinguish their achievement. In the past, many kids have lemonade stands, car washes, bake sales, and yard sales to raise money for their ride. These kids have so much passion and determination; they feel like they are making a difference, and each year they say, “I can’t wait to ride again the next year”.
The Franklin PMC Kids Ride will be held on Sunday, September 25th, from 8 AM to 12 PM. The ride will start and end at the Jefferson School, located at 628 Washington Street in Franklin. Kids can select from a 3, 6, or 10-mile course. Younger participants, not yet on two wheels, can take part in the Tikes and Trikes course in a contained area at the school. Franklin PMC Kids Ride
This area has several fun stations and activities for the little ones, including a car wash, gas station, snack stand, craft table, face painting, and more. Kids can also enjoy an after-ride celebration with music, games, food, and more. There is a $20 rider registration fee which includes a Tee shirt and goodie bag and a $40 fundraising minimum for all riders.
Register online at https://kids.pmc.org/franklin. All local communities are encouraged to participate. For more information, please contact Lisa Marchioni at lisabxyz@verizon.net
Living Statues to make appearance at the Franklin Cultural Festival - Sep 10
Watch pieces of history come to life at this year’s Franklin Cultural Festival! We are lucky enough to be joined by three different LIVING STATUES this year - you won’t want to miss it!Be sure to join us on September 10th from 12-6pm for artisan booths, live performances, great food, a beer/wine garden, and more for your whole family to enjoy!
Ben Franklin, Harriet Tubman, and Betsy Ross will make an appearance!
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Living Statues to make appearance at the Franklin Cultural Festival |
Franklin Art Association: Monthly Meeting & Demonstration - Sep 7 at 6:30 PM
Wednesday September 7:
FAA Monthly Meeting & Demonstration 6:30 - 8:30 PM at the Franklin Senior Center.
Deborah Drummond will be our invited artist for our first meeting on September 7. Deborah is a Boston area artist who for many years practiced as a professional freelance illustrator/designer and photographer. She returned to painting non-objective abstraction working in acrylic, collage and printmaking and will share her experience and techniques. Her work is focused on non-objective abstraction in acrylic, collage and printmaking. Mid-century and color field art are primary influences and inspiration in her work.
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Franklin Art Association |
Current drought conditions for Franklin, update scheduled for Town Council meeting Sep 7
"The different categories of drought actually increased across the Northeast this week with the exception of the extreme drought area which did shrink thanks to those heavy rain showers south of Boston. #Drought2022"
One of the presentations scheduled for the Town Council meeting on Weds Sep 7 is an update on the Franklin water status per the drought. The presentation is not yet posted. The Town Council agenda can be found online -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/september_7_2022_town_council_agenda.pdf
Meteorologist Dave Epstein tweet shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/growingwisdom/status/1565352398339465217
Additional maps and info can be found at Drought.gov/
The Franklin specific info can be found -> https://www.drought.gov/location/02038%2C%20Franklin%2C%20Massachusetts
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historical info for Norfolk County |
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Current drought conditions for Franklin, update scheduled for Town Council meeting Sep 7 |
FHS Boys' & Girls' Basketball Annual Golf Tournament - Sep 26
Come out for a fun day of golf and support the Franklin High School boy's & girl's basketball teams!
- SHOTGUN start at 8:30 am, REGISTRATION starts at 8:00 AM
- GREAT FUN AND GREAT FRIENDS
- WIN PRIZES!- WINNING TEAM, LONGEST DRIVE, CLOSEST TO THE PIN, RAFFLES, & AUCTION
- LUNCH INCLUDED ON THE COURSE
Individual & group tickets available - CLICK "REGISTER"
WANT TO SPONSOR? CLICK ON "REGISTER" AND CHOOSE TO BE AN EVENT SPONSOR (TEE, LONGEST DRIVE, CLOSEST TO THE PIN).
All major credit cards accepted!
Registration closes on September 22, 2022 => https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-franklin-high-school-boys-girls-basketball-golf-tournament-registration-352954304827
If you prefer, you can pay by check or by Venmo. Checks should be made payable to "FHS Basketball Booster Club" and sent to Mike Fales at 12 Ridgeview Rd, Franklin, MA 02038
Venmo - @FranklinLady-Panthers
If registering offline, please email your foursome information to fhsbasketball@gmail.com
HAVE QUESTIONS?
email us: fhsbasketball@gmail.com
call: Greg Tracey (774) 291-9105 or Shawn Allen (617) 483-0359
FHS Boys' & Girls' Basketball Annual Golf Tournament - Sep 26 |
Register O’Donnell Reports on August 2022 Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County
Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported that the August 2022 numbers relative to Norfolk County recordings indicate a notable decrease in overall real estate activity, particularly with mortgage activity, as compared to the August 2021 numbers, but continue to show an increase in average sale prices from a year ago.
“Our data indicates that the Norfolk County real estate numbers in August demonstrate a continued slowdown in the market compared to 2021 but a slight increase from the month of July,” noted Register O’Donnell. “There were 11,640 documents recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds in August, a 29% decrease from August 2021 but up 7% from July, 2022”.
“The number of deeds for August 2022, which reflect real estate sales and transfers, both commercial and residential, show a decrease of 16% from August, 2021 but an increase of 5% from the previous month of July, 2022. Sale prices climbed again when compared to 2021. The average sale price in August was $1,107,598, a 13% increase compared to August 2021, but surprisingly show a 17% decrease from July. Total dollar volume of commercial and residential sales is down, decreasing 5% from one year ago and decreasing 13% from last month,” noted the Register.
Overall lending activity show a continued pronounced trend downward for the month of August. A total of 1,991 mortgages were recorded during the month, a significant decrease of 46% compared to a year ago but slightly up 6% from July, 2022. “It appears that the increase in the mortgage interest rates and the fact that many consumers have already refinanced continue to impact mortgage activity,” noted O’Donnell.
A continuing cause for concern in Norfolk County is the number of pending foreclosures. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely monitoring the foreclosure market. In August, there were 7 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, one more than in August, 2021 and two fewer than in July. However, there were 33 Notices to Foreclose, the first step in the foreclosure process, recorded in August, up significantly from the 15 recorded in August 2021. “The dramatic increase in the number of these notices is alarming. It indicates that more of our neighbors are facing financial challenges going forward”, said O’Donnell. “We will continue to track 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 again this month at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds. There was a 13% decrease in homestead recordings in August 2022 compared to August 2021. “The reduction in recorded Declarations of Homestead is not too surprising where the sales of homes continue to level off, but all homeowners, not just new purchasers, should keep in mind that a recorded Declaration of Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual’s primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000,” noted O’Donnell. “We want 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. The recording fee is only $36. Feel free to visit the Registry website at www.norfolkdeeds.org to get more information on homesteads and to make sure you have taken advantage of this protection.”
Register O’Donnell concluded, “August real estate activity in Norfolk County continues to show a decline from last year. We still see the increase in sale prices from last year as indicating a continuing lack of available real estate inventory but in comparing the numbers with last month’s, it appears the market may be starting to cool off.”
To learn more about Registry of Deed’s 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@
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Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County - August 2022 |
Hockomock Girls Soccer: Players to Watch in 2022 - FHS' Anderson
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FHS Panthers |
Save the date! DPW "Touch a Truck" event scheduled for Oct 15 from 10 AM to 2 PM
Franklin Senior Center - lots of events scheduled for September, check out the newsletter for details!
The Senior Connection September 2022 Newsletter is up! Come check out all the fun programs planned at the Senior Center!
Call to Register 508-520-4945 #seniorcenter #activeaging https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/
Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FranklinSrCntr/status/1564686960215707648
Franklin Senior Center - lots of events scheduled for September, check out the newsletter for details! |
One of the activities is the monthly Franklin Q&A session I host to answer your questions on what is happening in and around the Town of Franklin.
Scheduled for Wednesday, Sep 21 at 11:00 AM. This is a hybrid session. You can participate at the Senior Center, or join via the Zoom link. To get the remote link, use this form to get the mailing list -> https://forms.gle/msAkPaJjzztdzst96
vyhlif6896/f/uploads/september_2022_final_newsletter_yeah_buddy.pdf